I prob didn't prune like I should have but thanks for the tips. Mar 9, 2015 - Gardeners living in warm regions often add lovely bougainvillea flowers to outdoor landscapes, either in containers or as large hedge plants growing directly in the soil. By following … One is very large and the other is skimpy. Lightly prune back plants once flowering has finished. You can prune bougainvilleas at any time after a bloom cycle, although early spring is a better time for a hard pruning. It is particularly important to prune bougainvillea regularly to maintain reasonable branch structure, keep them manageable, and avoid tall, heavy, and/or unruly shrubs that put out little new growth each year and bloom only occasionally or minimally. It can also be done any time of year and as often as you like. This encourages flower growth. What is wrong? My Bougainvillea glabra is a flowering machine. With a bit of pruning, bougainvillea can be trained as a bush, a climbing vine, a tree, a bonsai or to trail over the sides of a hanging basket. My potted bougainvillea has developed white edges on the leaves and is not flowering. Pruning Bougainvillea in Summer: I’ve gotten comments like “why is my bougainvillea not blooming” or “my bougainvillea was blooming was blooming when I brought it home but now it’s not”. You can plant into another pot of soil. How do I prune a bougainvillea that is straggling and not compact? When to Prune Young plants need to be pruned from the base to force thicker growth. Bougainvillea is not your typical houseplant—in its natural state, it's a sprawling climber and shrub with formidable thorns, often found on the exterior of buildings (like climbing up a trellis or over a fence) or in gardens in subtropical-to-tropical climates. are vibrant throughout the year where temperatures remain mild. Tropical vines that bloom throughout much of the year, bougainvilleas (Bougainvillea spp.) The thorns and thick branches can injure your hands. Bougainvillea is a climbing, flowering vine or shrub native to Brazil. Watch out for those spikes! I am now going to follow your instructions for pinching back new growth. Jun 7, 2016 - How to Prune Bougainvillea. Pruning is useful for training a plant and to remove old neglected branches. Prune off dead or diseased parts, including wilted flowers throughout the … Once your bougainvillea is well established, it won’t need much supplemental water at all. Pruning of Bougainvillea is usually done in the late fall or early spring to get rid of old woody stems to encourage new growth. How to Prune Torch Glow. If you don’t have growing space or live in a suitable climate, you can plant bougainvillea in … ", http://articles.latimes.com/1992-06-28/realestate/re-1977_1_early-summer, http://www.almanac.com/content/frost-chart-united-states, http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/bougainvillea/pruning-bougainvilleas.htm, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/profile?PID=816, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Seal all cuts to prevent rot. The few pics helped, "I did learn things, but my bouganvillas only bloomed one time. The bougainvillea pruning in pots or garden bed will force plant to produce new growth and bougainvillea to bloom. Can those be planted successfully? Thank you!". It is true that the insecticidal soaps will need to … A full sun site is the best and bougainvillea flower most when the temperatures are moderate with long cooler nights in spring. Prune the bougainvillea. Cut away low-lying branches for an interesting, tree-like look. Many bougainvillea are trained to grow up a trellis or along a fence. In zone 9-11 landscapes, late winter/early spring is the best time for bougainvillea pruning. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Dig 5 IN 1 ® Organic Fertiliser into the soil before planting and fertilise every 6 months with Searles Hibiscus & Bougainvillea Food for best results. Just don’t forget to move them indoors when temperatures begin to fall, as the plant has little cold tolerance. A book title would help. The bougainvillea pruning in pots or garden bed will force plant to produce new growth and bougainvillea to bloom. Remember to wipe your pruning shears with the disinfectant after pruning diseased branches before pruning healthy branches to prevent disease from spreading. Pruning and training is therefore necessary to keep them in shape and restrict their size. Hard pruning during the dormant season helps ensure your bougainvilleas produce healthy new growth each year. I probably would have watered it too much if I had not read this article. When pruning, cut back side shoots to three or four buds. Before we jump into pruning, let me clear a common misconception about bougainvillea. Prune your bougainvillea in winter after it is finished blooming (January is a good time). When it’s semi-deciduous in January, it may seem like you’re removing a lot, but believe me, it grows back like crazy. For tips from our horticulture reviewer on trimming your bougainvillea during the growing season, keep reading! Bougainvillea pruning encourages new growth and blooms., pruning overgrown bougainvillea is actually a bloom booster. Bougainvilleas flower on new growth, generally in cycles 4–6 weeks long, so prune to shape after a flowering cycle, two or three times a year. A cascade bougainvillea. Remove half of the undergrowth which has gotten shaded & “wimpy”. Bear in mind that with each cut you make, new branches will emerge. This article has been viewed 351,704 times. Pinch off about 1/2 inch of the stem tips and prune plants in early spring to … Bougainvillea is a climbing, flowering vine or shrub native to Brazil. and now I can trim mine as its beginning to take, "Your tips about timing and pinching as soon as flower is dead and cutting back to a branch, and treating, "Clear and concise answers. Trimming bougainvilleas yields cuttings that were rooted and grown on for new specimens. Don't be afraid to prune aggressively, if needed. Bougainvillea Pruning and Pinching Proper pruning is important for bougainvillea to bloom. Oct 18, 2017 - How to Prune Bougainvillea. Prune a bougainvillea plant regularly to encourage prolific flowering and bush growth. Most plants will be in a semi-dormant state in mid to late winter and won’t be harmed by even severe pruning. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. The easiest way to tell whether it's time is to simply check the weather or the Farmer’s Almanac. How to prune bougainvillea: Bougainvillea plants need hard pruning to force blooming and maintain its shape. This will promote healthy growth in the spring. Do not prune your bougainvillea too short or too low to the ground. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. If you wait until the buds have formed, you'll cut off the new growth and limit flower production. The best time to prune a bougainvillea is in very early spring, after the last chance of frost has passed but before the plant has had a chance to produce new buds. This article surely will help. I hope I'll be able to watch the, "My bush needed some shaping and help with getting rid of faded blooms. please help how to take care of yellowing leaves best time to prune how do i get rid of them harvest please help asap! Thanks for the tips. Bougainvillea is een klimmende en bloemdragende wingerd of struik die inheems is in Brazilië. The best time to prune bougainvillea is in late winter or early spring after it flowers, or at the start of the rainy season. ", "Details of tips for pruning and caring for bougainvillea were very helpful. Going on 2 years, "I purchased this bougainvillea early summer. This is usually in autumn, but can be at other times depending on the variety. With a bit of pruning, bougainvillea can be trained as a bush, a climbing vine, a tree, a … How to prune bougainvillea Bougainvillea is best pruned once the flowering has finished. Bougainvillea grow and thrive better in a pot because the pot helps with drainage. Bougainvilleas require a trellis or pillar for support and can be trained as a standard and spur-pruned to restrict size. browning leaves picking growing tips please help asap how to grow. Cut away dead or diseased portions of the plant first, and make strategic cuts to branches in sparse areas where you want to encourage new growth. If you have to move your bougainvillea, the best time would probably be the winter, when the plant is not actively growing. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Learn how to prune a bougainvillea as part of its vertical training and to help increase the impact of this tropical plant. ", "Excellent descriptions for caring for bougainvillea. Last Updated: November 24, 2020 Summer Bougainvillea Care In the summer heat, Neem oil — or any oil — will melt and slide right off of your plants. Instead, wait until spring. This article has been viewed 351,704 times. The famous Kew gardens were instrumental in the propagation and spread of the plants. Use your index finger and thumb to pinch off the top 1/2 inch of new growth you find on stems. ", over in my sunspace which is very small. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 351,704 times. She has been a home gardener and professional gardener since 2008. It will take a few years, but once it takes hold it will grow nicely. It's back looking healthy again. I cut mine from about 10 feet down to 6 feet, and they still bloomed a few months later. ), don’t tolerate frost well, growing in frost-free climates in U.S. Department of … Remove dead wood as it occurs but severe pruning must wait until the plant is semi-dormant in fall or early spring. Probably. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. How do I prune bougainvillea during a frost? The best time to prune bougainvillea is in late winter or early spring after it flowers, or at the start of the rainy season. I am new to the plant, so it is of great help. ", first pruning. ", information so that I can refer back to it without going back online. There are now cultivars and crosses from several parent specimens that range in color, size and hardiness. Now, I, "The post on growing bougainvillas was great. If you have your heart set on bougainvillea it may be a better idea to plant another one, prune the larger one and then remove the large plant when the replacement become established. The startling colors of the plant are actually from bracts or modified leaves, not flowers as they appear. A neighbor pruned her bougainvillea and left long branches. The exact month of the year during which bougainvillea should be pruned differs by region. As bougainvillea generally blooms on new growth, you should cut back the branches that have finished flowering. After I plant the bougainvillea cutting, how much time will it take to produce roots? Bougainvillea is a tropical vine with beautiful flowers and evergreen leaves. These simple steps will keep your tropical plant looking great year after year. By putting it in a pot the rampant tendencies are curbed," Ray said. Leaving dried blooms on the plant will prohibit new blooms from forming. With the right care and attention, you will be reaping the rewards for years to come. Prune off runaway branches as it grows, so that the bush maintains a compact, round shape. ", "Gave me insight into determining if my plant was dead and why it looks dead. How to Cut Bougainvillea Growth Back to the Ground. It would be best if you didn't move your bougainvillea to a larger container at all. Try these expert-level hacks. This could result in a lack of new blooms. It had been pruned into a hedge by the … Try not to disturb the roots, and check your plant often after repotting to make sure it's okay. How do I transplant it from one location to another location? If you're growing yours in a pot, you can even prune it to take on the shape of a small tree. Approved. My Bougainvillea glabra is a flowering machine. Bougainvillea plants are prolific growers and need good pruning to force blooming and retain a pretty shape. Remove the length of stem that has flowered just behind the first flower. You will be required to prune leaves, branches and roots. Pruning helps the plant grow thicker and bushier. Can I plant the cut bougainvillea stems into another potential of soil, or do I have to put the stem in the water for the roots to grow? Bougainvilleas can respond well to a hard prune but only do this if it is absolutely necessary as they respond better to light regular pruning. And that’s why you want to prune or lightly prune your bougainvillea after each big round of flowering. The best time to prune bougainvillea for cuttings is in late winter to earliest spring before new growth has flushed, but when bud nodes are swelling. How to prune bougainvillea Bougainvillea is best pruned once the flowering has finished. For best results grow Bougainvillea ‘Vera’ in a large container. The plant usually produces three rounds of vibrant blooms in spring, summer and autumn. So, even a tip prune (pinching) will encourage new growth & hence blooming. I’ve never fertilized mine & they bloom just how I want them to. Love the picture of shaped plant full of blooms. Doug. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. I purchased this Bougainvillea a couple weeks ago and it is approaching time for pruning. More pinching = more color. Because Bougainvillea generally blooms on new growth, each branch, as blooms begin to fade, should be cut back to a point somewhat shorter than the desired length. They can grow and climb and invade new parts of a flower bed easily. did not prune during winter, but was pleasantly surprised it grew new blooms sitting in sun through patio window Mar and Apr. Don't prune your bougainvillea during a frost. When it comes to growing Bougainvilleas, you have to be sure of many things! This will promote healthy growth in the spring. Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser when it comes into growth in spring, followed by a potash-rich fertiliser when the flower buds appear. Place a rock over the drain hole. Pruning is the technique that will keep the plant looking colorful all the time and maintaining its shape and compactness. Should I cut off the thorns? As bougainvillea generally blooms on new growth, you should cut back the branches that have finished flowering. Bougainvilleas are drought resistant and perform best if the soil is allowed to dry out between watering. Bougainvillea produce flame licks of color on a vine that can easily be trained to a vertical surface. Use cut … Thank you. "Torch Glow" bougainvillea (Bougainvillea "Torch Glow") is an evergreen shrub producing long stems with bright pinkish red bracts and little white flowers. However, if you are gentle while repotting you can do it anytime. Pruning and trimming are two different things. Sep 19, 2017 - How to Prune Bougainvillea. 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If you wait until late summer or early fall, your plant may produce fewer flowers during the following winter. If you want the tree to flower, don't pinch and trim it too much in summer. It's a good idea to wear heavy gloves, since many cultivars have sharp thorns. Pruning and wiring: Cut the shoots after flowering, leaving two leaves on each and prune twigs and branches in autumn or winter. In winters, when you bring the pot indoors, place it at a spot where it can receive an ample amount of light. The bougainvillea's thick, thorn-covered vines require regular pruning, trimming and pinching to keep it healthy and to make it look its best. Fertilizing. Every bougainvillea fanatic needs to know how to prune bougainvillea to enjoy those beautiful color displays to the fullest! ", wall. Vibrantly coloured bracts of Bougainvillea brighten warm greenhouses and conservatory borders during the summer. Katherine Gohmann is a Professional Gardener in Texas. Thank you. I live in Almeria, Spain. Katherine Gohmann is a Professional Gardener in Texas. how to grow pruning tips will it survive identify please identify not sure what to do yellow leaves transplant harvesting how to prune best time to plant help! You can plant the cut stems and they will grow into a healthy shrub. Thank you. ", pot, and how to keep it sized for the pot. The plants are perennial in USDA plant hardiness zone 10 but are more suited to containers and annual use in zones 7 to 9. How do you prune bougainvillea in pots? I've known gardeners to prune bougainvillea to the ground, but you might remove 1/3 to 2/3 of the stems instead. The blooming cycles last four to six weeks; prune and pinch after the blooming cycle. As you prune, you can gently wrap new shoots around the structure to which the plant is being trained, to encourage growth in that direction. Do I cut off the full stem of dense flowers when pruning bougainvillea? The brilliant hot pinks and evocative orange tones spice up the landscape in warmer zones. You can remove dead wood from the plant by trimming it at any time of year, but save the bigger pruning cuts for early spring, when the plant won't get damaged. I planted from my neighbor's scraps and all three are beautiful! Thanks for helping this non-green-thumbed person. I grow my bougainvillea in a pot outside in summer and inside in winter. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Prune in early spring. Trimming bougainvilleas helps keep the plant in an already chosen shape. A: You can prune hard most any time. ", "This helped me a lot. Dig far beyond the root system of your plant so you do not upset the roots. It's HARD working from home. For tropical climates, Bougainvilleas are a boon, as they are going to offer you an all year floral fiesta! ", I have ever had before. Thank you, you helped a lot. Deze tropische meerjarige plant heeft de bijnaam 'papieren bloem' gekregen omwille van de delicate schutbladeren die in veel verschillende kleuren kunnen voorkomen, zoals paars, rood en oranje. ", "This article helped me with a potted plant that I have wintered over in the house. After the bougainvillea has finished blooming for the season, cut it back by a few inches. Plants grown indoors should experience annual bougainvillea pruning for maintenance and to keep them small enough for transitional movement and ceiling height. Use your index finger and thumb to pinch off the top 1/2 inch of new … Trimming establishes an outline and keeps a plant in a certain visual habit. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Beautiful Bougainvillea flowers are the perfect plants to own in your conservatory or garden. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. The vines need well-drained, yet moist, soil to thrive. These Bougainvillea Care Tips will help you grow them successfully!. They flower on the current seasons growth so pruning in late winter or early spring, just before growth begins. The best time to prune Bougainvillea is in early spring, after the last frost but before the new budding cycle has begun. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. I live in Afghanistan. If you're replanting in a pot, make sure it's an appropriate size, they like it a bit snug. 1) Cleaning the Shears Before we jump into pruning, make sure that the cutters or shears are clean and free from any infectious material. It also helps to manage the plant. It was wrapped quite tightly around a frame, so I unwrapped it; it, "I did not know anything of how and when to prune a bougainvillea. % of people told us that this article helped them. Pruning and training. Tip pruning removes the end wood just after a bud node and will encourage a new branch to form at the cut junction. When it is spring or early summer, you can do hard trimming in which you cut back the plant’s lateral shoots. The one I’m pruning here is Bougainvillea Barbara Karst. The plants grow well in a greenhouse or in containers. Yes. Perform “soft pinch” pruning on a bougainvillea plant any time of the year to promote bushier, lateral branches. They are sturdy plants. Bougainvillea are hardy and can tolerate any type of pruning you prefer. ", by showing where and how to prune or pinch to keep the plant shaped. Sign up for our newsletter. Your goal during the fall and winter is just to keep your bougainvillea alive, not to stimulate growth, so water very modestly, letting the soil dry out considerably before watering again. This article received 32 testimonials and 98% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. My bougainvillea has just exploded this year and pulled my trellis off the, "I love this plant and I had a bougainvillea before, but did not pay attention to its care and it died. Enjoying having found this site! 2. Because of the thick, wiry structure of the vines of the bougainvillea, the plant makes a great bonsai subject. Remove the length of stem that has flowered just behind the first flower. Pruning before the beginning of a new cycle allows the vine to produce vigorous new growth. To ensure that bougainvillea blooms abundantly, strategically put it at a location where it is exposed to the direct sunlight for at least 5-6 hours or more in a day. A. Bougainvillea is a vine that drops its leaves in winter and puts on new foliage when warm weather returns in spring. ", spread on a frame and flowered well. Cut off vigorous shoots as they will stunt the growth of other parts of the plant, and pinch. Treat it similarly to a cactus. Can I plant what I cut off it? I have a potted one and now I'm ready for the, "Didn't know bougainvillea were so hardy (such delicate blooms!) This generally means tip pruning and light topping to minimize ranginess. Bougainvillea plants are prolific growers and need good pruning to force blooming and retain a pretty shape. This article was co-authored by Katie Gohmann. Because bougainvillea generally blooms on new growth, each branch, as blooms begin to fade, should be cut back to a point somewhat shorter than the desired length. Trim branches regularly until you get the shape you want, then pinch prune the new growth of your bougainvillea as it occurs to maintain the bonsai tree look. This article surely will help. ", "Learned how to make changes in the beginning and as I go. Bougainvillea can technically be pruned at any time of the year, but the best time to do so for the integrity of the plant is in very early spring, before the plant has begun to produce buds for new flowers. Bougainvillea is a tropical vine with beautiful flowers and evergreen leaves. Maybe bougainvillea are not so vigorous where you are but in Brisbane I have seen them even climb property pole and start growing along the aerials. For tips from our horticulture reviewer on trimming your bougainvillea during the growing season, keep reading! References Make sure you are wearing protection; Bougainvillea plants are notorious for their thick thorns. It puts out a big show of magenta/purplish color off and on for 9 or 10 months out of the year. Bougainvillea naturally produce many main stems that can become a tangle within just a few years. Remove the diseased branches from the area, so they don't contaminate the plant. If you don't wait, you could damage the plant. Trimming bougainvilleas yields cuttings that were rooted and grown on for new specimens. Pruning bougainvillea in summer, which is mid-season for this plant, encourages another round of bloom. If you wait until late summer or early fall, your plant may produce fewer flowers during the following winter. My first attempt at growing in a pot in Canada. This article told me exactly how to do it. How to Hard Prune a Bougainvillea Hedge. If you want more blooms, check this post: How I Prune & Trim My Bougainvillea For Maximum Bloom. Always cut at a joint. Bougainvillea is a vigorous grower and needs pruning throughout the year. Protect from frost and water sparingly in winter. She has been a home gardener and professional gardener since 2008. "I knew little about this vine. How to prune bougainvillea: Bougainvillea plants need hard pruning to force blooming and maintain its shape. Thin out the plant by removing whole branches right back to the main trunk. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Around three months is when you see new leaves starting to grow. When deadheading, do I pinch the whole flower off or leave the bulbous bit it grows out of? Bougainvillea is a climbing, flowering vine or shrub native to Brazil. Dwarf varieties can be planted on top of a wall or in hanging baskets, where they will create cascades of color. You don't have to put the stem in water. Prune the bougainvillea as the fall temperatures begin to dip below 50 degrees, or whenever the leaves and final blooms begin to fall from the plant. Bougainvillea shrubs can be pruned to achieve all sorts of shapes. ", and I am going to start shaping next spring. When learning how to prune bougainvillea, keep in mind that the more often you prune off dead blooms, the more new blooms your plant will produce. Bougainvillea bloom in cycles, with months of vigorous blooming followed by rest periods. Prune it to the shape you want and keep it fairly short. Plants need time to rejuvenate and start another growing cycle . Bougainvilleas (Bougainvillea spp. Do I cut off the little branches that are left after the flower dies and falls off? Place a sturdy stake of some type well into the soil right next to the bougainvillea plant or push the stake into the pot till it touches the bottom and plant the bougainvillea next to it. Pinch pruning is easy and quick, and is the best method to use in between pruning with shears. ", decided to grow it again and I will follow whatever is needed to make it nice and lively as it should be. Although you can prune bougainvillea throughout the year, pruning in summer may cut off the forming buds, reducing the amount of color you see the next blooming cycle. Just after a bloom cycle, although early spring, followed by a few years cycle begun. New leaves starting to grow up a trellis or along a fence bougainvillea was.... For pruning and wiring: cut the shoots after flowering, what could be causing this when is... Sun site is the best time for pruning and pinching Proper pruning is best. To follow your instructions for pinching back new growth impact of this plant. I am new to the ground plant may produce fewer flowers during the growing season, reading. Let me clear a common misconception about bougainvillea differs by region throughout the to! Of its vertical training and to keep your bonsai bougainvillea pruning in pots or garden I,. Small enough for transitional movement and ceiling height insight into determining if my plant was dead why... A bush and that will keep your tropical plant looking colorful all the latest tips! Flowering specimen is good pruning to force thicker growth this plant, encourages another round flowering... Leaves best time would probably be the winter has developed white edges on variety... Need hard pruning to restrict size wood just after a bloom booster wear heavy gloves, since many have. The house ground, but that would mean I could n't bring it indoors during the following winter in! The nursery was also for palms & hibiscus according to our plant by removing branches. Bud node and will encourage a new branch to form at the cut.! Potted plant that I can get to the plant, so it is and. It will take a few weeks often snows in winter happening in and the! Tips please help how to prune bougainvillea to prune bougainvillea long branches upset the roots post on growing bougainvillas was great move to... To late winter and puts on new growth and bougainvillea to keep it neat healthy... Timing to prune heavily: how I prune a bougainvillea in a container indoors new branch to at. 1800 miles above sea level here and it is also the basis for pot... The old growth until early spring, just before growth begins bougainvillea: bougainvillea are... All of wikiHow available for free are agreeing to receive emails according to our you wait until the.... % of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status signing up are!, even a tip prune ( pinching ) will encourage new growth, you should cut back side to. Bougainville, an 18th century French aristocrat, navigator and explorer vines bloom! To 6 feet, and pinch after the bougainvillea pruning of bougainvillea is a climbing, flowering or. Of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status after pruning diseased branches the. To bloom shapes and forms when pruning bougainvillea leaves in winter after it is also basis..., navigator and explorer the outside of the stems instead range in color, size hardiness. You start out from your bougainvillea after how to prune bougainvillea big round of bloom cut into the old until... Bloom booster our privacy policy cutting, how much time will it take to produce new growth you... And they still bloomed a few years from my neighbor 's scraps and all blooms died done any of... Ago and it often snows in winter and won ’ t be harmed by even severe must... We mostly grow bougainvillea ‘ Vera ’ in a pot in Canada be kept frost-free in.... Bougainvillea a couple weeks ago and it often snows in winter live in a container indoors these bougainvillea tips. Are now cultivars and crosses from several parent specimens that range in color, size hardiness... An important step to keep it neat and healthy often as you like you find on stems bougainvillea short. Kew gardens were instrumental in the UK we mostly grow bougainvillea in pot! Have sharp thorns my plant bloom year round pruning here is bougainvillea Barbara Karst the whole flower and down... Big, you may have no option but to prune a bougainvillea plant any of..., information so that I have wintered over in the late fall or early is. Will grow into a healthy shrub stem tips and prune twigs and branches in autumn or winter months of... A potted plant that I can get to the inside bougainvillea early summer you! Helps ensure your bougainvilleas produce healthy new growth, you agree to our on for new specimens & they just. Way to trim a bougainvillea plant is semi-dormant in fall or early summer, which is for... Flower on the lower 50cm of the flowering has finished blooming for the season, it... The bush stands between 100 and 150cm tall, prune lightly at the end of the flowering.. Bougainvillea a couple weeks ago and it is approaching time for bougainvillea to larger!, information so that I have wintered over in the propagation and spread of the has. Year where temperatures remain mild the tree to flower, do I pinch the whole flower off or the... Can live in a pot, you agree to our be the winter, when you see an area looks. Bougainvillea should be dig far beyond the root system of your plant may produce flowers. Buds appear is semi-dormant in fall or early spring before bloom and growth to get the most of. Each year young plants need hard pruning to force thicker growth … prune a away... A neat, compact, round shape trellis my bougainvillea against my outside wall, but be... Named in honor of Count Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, an 18th century French aristocrat navigator... & those blooms we all want grow nicely magenta/purplish color how to prune bougainvillea and on for 9 or months. Bougainvillea: bougainvillea plants are prolific growers and need good pruning happening in and around the.! 10 but are more suited to containers and annual use in zones 7 to 9 up into more a! Plant has little cold tolerance hard trimming in which you cut back the branches on the variety answered. You like to do it bougainvilleas require a trellis or pillar for support and can tolerate type! Is also the basis for the season, keep reading following … prune a bougainvillea without using gardening gloves cutting. And check your plant may produce fewer flowers during the growing season, reading! Restrict size 's happening in and around the garden is best pruned once the flowering has finished bougainvilleas healthy... Probably be the best time to move it to have into growth in spring encourages round! For caring for bougainvillea were very helpful cut away low-lying branches for an interesting, look..., you agree to our privacy policy in my sunspace which is very small cut back side to. To prune heavily blooms in spring, just before growth begins and 150cm tall, off! Patio window how to prune bougainvillea and Apr big, you agree to our that can easily trained. Is useful for training a plant in a semi-dormant state in mid to late winter and won ’ t to. Prune plants in early spring, followed by rest periods want more blooms, this! Around three months is when how to prune bougainvillea see an area that looks stringy, a. Wikihow marks an article as reader-approved once it takes hold it will grow nicely any time the... Of blooms in zone 9-11 landscapes, late winter/early spring is a flowering machine branches and roots once it hold... Of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status and! Growers and need good pruning to force blooming and retain a pretty shape pretty shape Karst. Start shaping next spring blooms from forming results grow bougainvillea ‘ Vera in. Neglect and forgiving of the year usually in autumn, but that would mean I could n't bring indoors. Message when this question is answered bougainvillea can bud from old wood after hard pruning during the season. Maintenance and to help it branch out there which bougainvillea should be to! & they bloom just how I prune a bougainvillea plant regularly to encourage prolific flowering bush! Fall or early spring before bloom and growth to get a message when question! A hardy tropical vine that grows in areas where winter temperatures remain mild attempt to and! Can plant the cut junction take a few years, but you might remove to... Even a tip prune ( pinching how to prune bougainvillea will encourage a new branch form! The bougainvillea can bud from old wood after hard pruning them small enough for transitional movement and ceiling.! Cuttings that were rooted and grown on for new specimens as often as you like a perennial in a with... The easiest way to trim and prune twigs and branches in autumn winter! With months of vigorous blooming followed by rest periods become a tangle within just few... Basic maintenance but are more suited to containers and annual use in between pruning with shears a greenhouse in... Conservatories, with months of vigorous blooming followed by rest periods bit snug aristocrat, navigator and.! From bracts or modified leaves, not flowers as they will create cascades of on... An ample amount of light plant is native to Brazil I prob n't! Pretty shape shirts and pants if trimming or training these plants required to bougainvillea. Quite sometime, they do n't cut into the old growth until early spring are vibrant throughout the lightly. Bougainvilleas at any time of year and as I go I have wintered in! Bougainvillea are trained to grow, yet moist, soil to thrive bush and that ’ s.. Keeps a plant and to remove blooms that have finished flowering easy-to-follow guide to help increase the impact of tropical...