Bougainvillea: Dark Purple

Bougainvillea is a genus of 18 flowering plants, native to South America, and in the Nyctaginaceae (four-o’clock) family. They are woody, thorny, evergreen vines with a scrambling habit. They are popular for their large, colorful “blooms,” which are produced most profusely in summer. Their colorful “petals” or “flowers” are really modified leaves called bracts that surround the true small white tubular flowers. Bougainvilleas are vigorous and respond well to pruning and as a result they often are utilized as hedges in more tropical areas. They are extremely drought-resistant and grow in almost any soil type that does not stay constantly wet. They thrive in USDA Zone 10, but will survive in Zone 9 if protected. 

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Available in 2 Gal

Outdoors, bougainvilleas should be in full sun (no shade)

In general, bougainvilleas will flower sooner and more profusely if exposed to high light intensities, moderate temperatures and longer nights. These conditions are common in very early spring. Bougainvilleas will eventually flower under the shorter nights of summer but will produce more leaves before they initiate flowers.

Bougainvillea are drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants that thrive on a "soak and dry" watering method, requiring deep watering only when the soil has completely dried out. Overwatering leads to root rot and fewer blooms. Established plants generally need water every 1–2 weeks, while containers need more frequent, sometimes weekly, watering in hot weather.

Prune suckers from the plant’s base to encourage top growth. Severe pruning should be done after summer flowering (i.e., in late fall or very early spring). Dead wood should be removed as it appears. We recommend Bond Bypass Pruners. 

Your plant needs food too! We suggest Espoma Rose Tone. 

Proper nutrition is important to the health of your plant and its longevity. To ensure your plant is getting the appropriate nutrition, use a fertilizer labelled for this plant type and apply according to the label.