Native to South America , bougainvilleas ( Bougainvilleaspp . ) are woody , briary , climbing vines that give rise colorful floral displays . There are about 18 species in all . These tropical vine are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 9 to 11 .
Facts About Flowering Bougainvillea
bougainvilleas are prise for are not true flowers . Rather , they are modify leavesknown as bracts . These bracts surround the true bougainvillea flush , which are white and tubelike and measure about an column inch in diam .
The " flowers " that bougainvilleas are respect for are not true flowers . Instead , they are modified leaves known as bracts .
Common Bougainvillea Species
Only a few of the 18 species of bougainvillea are common in cultivation , let in the less bougainvillea ( Bougainvillea glabra , zones 9 to 11 ) and the greater bougainvillea ( Bougainvillea spectabilis , zone 9 to 11 ) . These species are like in appearance , although the greater bougainvillea has somewhat longer flower bract than the less bougainvillea .
Is Bougainvillea a Perennial?
Bougainvilleas are perennial plants in their natural habitatand when grown in USDA hardiness zone 9 to 10 . That intend they survive for more than one raise season .
When they are rise in colder zones , however , they are treated as annuals . Bougainvilleas can be grow in containers as well .
Care for Flowering Bougainvillea
bougainvillea need proper care to give rise the colored displays they are get it on for . The precaution comprehend the water supply , fertilizing and pruning requisite of these vines .
Watering
Bougainvilleas are native to desiccate regions of South America and perform well under wry conditions . Therefore , while you should water these vines during the growing time of year , you may allow the soil to dry out out between tearing . According to theClemson Cooperative Extension , a pH just above 6.0 is perfect for these plant .
Tip
Allow the soil around the bougainvilleas to dry out between waterings .
Pruning
Bougainvillea vines sometimes need trim to work and control their size . Be sure to use gloves and exercise caution to avoid injury by the vine ’s retentive , shrewd thorns .
The best time to prune is after the plant has bloom in the summertime . Late winter or early outpouring are also good times to prune . If you prune at the wrong clip , you may cease up with fewer bloom temporarily .
Warning
When pruning , utilise gloves and exercise care to avoid injury by the vine ’s longsighted , precipitous thorns .
Fertilizing
A blossom bougainvillea welfare from the covering of a general - aim fertilizer when it is actively growing . Look for a balanced 10 - 10 - 10 formula , which contains equal amounts of nitrogen , K and daystar .
It is crucial not to overfeed your bougainvillea vine , however , astoo much nitrogenstimulates foliation growth . If you are develop bougainvillea as a perennial , withhold fertilizer during the winter when the plant is torpid .
References
Related
