Product Name: Bougainvillea
Botanical Name: Bougainvillea spp.
Common Name: Bougainvillea

Product Description

Bougainvillea is a vigorous, sun-loving climber or shrub renowned for its spectacular display of brightly coloured bracts in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, white and yellow. These vivid bracts surround small, inconspicuous white flowers and provide long-lasting colour throughout the warmer months. Bougainvillea is ideal for walls, pergolas, fences, trellises, containers and coastal gardens, and is exceptionally well suited to South Africa’s climate.

Size When Fully Grown

• Height: Typically 3 m – 8 m when trained as a climber; smaller forms 1 m – 3 m as shrubs or container plants
• Spread: 2 m – 5 m, depending on pruning and support
• Growth rate is fast under warm, sunny conditions.

Best Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun (minimum 6–8 hours per day) is essential for strong growth and abundant flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor or sandy soils but performs best with moderate fertility. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering reduces flowering.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm to hot climates. Tolerates heat well but is frost sensitive, especially when young.
• Feeding: Light feeding during the growing season; excessive nitrogen promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: Prune after flowering to shape and encourage new growth.

Common Pests & Problems

Bougainvillea is generally hardy but may occasionally be affected by:

• Aphids
• Mealybugs
• Scale insects
• Spider mites (especially in hot, dry conditions)
• Root rot if grown in poorly drained soil
  Good airflow, full sun and controlled watering greatly reduce pest and disease issues.

Toxicity (Animals & Humans)

• Bougainvillea is mildly toxic if ingested by pets or humans and may cause gastrointestinal upset.
• The plant also has sharp thorns, which can cause skin irritation or injury; gloves are recommended when handling or pruning.
  Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Planting & Seasonal Guidance (South Africa)

• Best Time to Plant: Spring to early summer, when soil temperatures are warm and plants establish quickly.
• Growing Season: Active growth and flowering from spring through autumn.
• Flowering Season: Peak flowering occurs in summer, with repeat flushes under ideal conditions.
• Winter Care: Growth slows in winter; reduce watering and protect from frost in colder regions.