PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Gardening
Planting and Growing
Growing Trees and Shrubs
Easy Steps to Plant, Grow, and Care For Bougainvilleas Download Article Add these flowering vines to your landscape with these helpful tips Co-authored by Monique Capanelli and Hunter Rising
Last Updated: September 8, 2024 Approved
Download Article
Planting Bougainvillea
|
Bougainvillea Care, Pest Control, and Propagation
|
Video
|
Expert Q&A
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Monique Capanelli and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Monique Capanelli is a Plant Specialist and the Owner and Designer for Articulture Designs, an innovative design firm and boutique in Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Monique specializes in interior botanical design, living walls, event decor, and sustainable landscape design. She attended the University of Texas at Austin. Monique is a Certified Permaculture Designer. She provides plant and botanical design experiences, from small gifts to entire transformations, to shoppers as well as commercial clients including Whole Foods Market and The Four Seasons. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 106 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,399,013 times.
Bougainvillea is a tropical, shrub-like vine that’s known for beautiful blooms throughout most of the year. Bougainvilleas comes in many varieties and colors that can spread out up to 40 feet (12 m), and the vines can be trained to climb fences and trellises. While bougainvilleas make great outdoor plants in warmer climates, they’re also perfect houseplants if you live somewhere colder. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through everything you’ll need to know to plant your bougainvilleas and take care of them throughout the year.
Things You Should Know
Plant bougainvillea outside in USDA zones 9 through 11. If temperatures dip below freezing where you live, grow it in a pot and move it indoors in winter.
Grow bougainvillea in a soil and compost mix that doesn’t contain peat moss. Water your bougainvillea when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Prune bougainvillea vines by cutting off a third of the new growth at the end of summer. Tie the vines to a trellis or fence if you want them to climb up as they grow.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Planting Bougainvillea
Download Article
1 Plant bougainvillea outdoors if you’re in zones 9B through 11. Bougainvillea thrives in arid places that are hot and relatively dry. Check a USDA hardiness zone map to find out what growing climate you live in. If you live in zones 9B through 11, bougainvillea will survive outdoors all year long.[1]XResearch source
Bougainvillea do best when night temperatures are warmer than 60 °F (16 °C) but daytime temperatures are cooler than 100 °F (38 °C).
2 Plant bougainvillea in pots if temperatures dip below freezing. Bougainvilleas will not survive outdoors in cold climates, but they’ll still thrive as a houseplant if you bring them indoors. Keep your bougainvilleas in a pot so you’re able to leave them outside in the summer and bring them indoors for the winter.[2]XResearch source
While you could dig up bougainvilleas from the ground to overwinter them in pots, they have delicate root structures that may not survive the movement. It’s better to plant the bougainvilleas directly in pots so they’re easy to move.
Advertisement
3 Pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight during the day. Bougainvillea needs full sun, or 6 hours of direct light without shade. If you’re planting bougainvillea outdoors, then look for a spot that’s facing south (if you’re in the northern hemisphere) or north (if you’re in the northern hemisphere). If you’re keeping bougainvilleas indoors, place them near a large south-facing (for the northern hemisphere) or north-facing (for the southern hemisphere) window.[3]XResearch source
4 Choose a planting spot with well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0. Bougainvillea grows best in dry conditions, so it doesn't do well when there’s a lot of moisture. Run a soil test using a pH test kit to determine if the planting medium has a slightly acidic pH around 6.0. If you need to, adjust the soil pH before planting your bougainvilleas.[4]XResearch source
To test if your soil is well-draining, dig a hole that’s 12 in (30 cm) wide and 12 in (30 cm) deep. Fill the hole with water and let it drain completely. Then, fill the hole with water again and check the water level change in 1 hour. If the water level dropped by 4 inches (10 cm) or more, the soil is well-draining.[5]XResearch source
If your soil has poor drainage, try mixing in a layer of compost with the topsoil to help it retain less moisture.
If you need to raise the soil’s pH, sprinkle lime onto the soil. To lower the pH, spread aluminum sulfate instead.[6]XResearch source
If you’re planting bougainvilleas in containers, stick to a general potting and compost mix. Avoid using mixes that contain any peat moss because they can retain too much water and could cause root rot.
5 Plant the bougainvillea into the ground or in a pot. If you’re planting directly into the ground, dig a hole as deep as the bougainvillea plant's root ball. If you’re planting in a container, pick a pot with drainage holes that’s just 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) wider than the bougainvillea’s root ball. Water the bougainvillea lightly and slowly lift it out from the original pot. Without disturbing the roots, set the bougainvillea into the hole or pot. Fill in around the root ball with soil, and lightly pat it down around the base of the plant.[7]XResearch source
In zones 9B through 11, plant bougainvillea any time of the year. If you’re planting bougainvillea in pots, start them in the early spring.
If you want the bougainvillea to climb a trellis or wall, be sure to plant it near the structure right away so it can easily grow onto it.
Space bougainvilleas about 3–5 feet (0.91–1.52 m) apart if you’re planting multiple in the ground.[8]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Bougainvillea Care, Pest Control, and Propagation
Download Article
1 Water bougainvillea when the soil dries out. Bougainvillea plants actually prefer the soil to dry out between waterings since they’re originally from arid climates. Stick a finger into the soil up to your knuckle. If the soil feels dry, then it is time to water. Water the soil until it’s completely saturated or until you see water running out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the container.[9]XResearch source
Typically, you’ll only have to water bougainvillea every few weeks.
Avoid overwatering or underwatering your plant because it causes leaves and flowers to drop, or the roots could develop rot.
2 Apply a slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer once a month through midsummer. Use half the recommended amount of fertilizer on the package so your bougainvilleas don’t grow too much vegetation. Start top-dressing the soil with your fertilizer in the early spring, and immediately water the soil so it soaks in. Apply the fertilizer every month to promote healthy blooms and growth.
If you notice your bougainvilleas are looking leggy or not producing as many flowers, cut back on the fertilizer
3 Prune bougainvillea in the late winter or early spring. After your bougainvillea bloom or right before the growing season, take a pair of pruners and trim off any dead or overcrowded shoots. Trim all the shoots coming off the main stem so only 2 or 3 buds (where leaves or thorns grow from) are left on each of them. Keep trimming away any twiggy or spindly growth until you’ve removed about a third of the total foliage.[10]XResearch source
Wear gardening gloves when pruning bougainvillea because they tend to have thorns or sticky sap that causes skin irritation.
4 Tie bougainvillea shoots to a fence or trellis to train them to climb. Bougainvillea plants have sprawling vines that can grow on fences, trellises, and walls with a little extra support. If you'd like the plant to grow vertically, tuck the bougainvillea branches through slots in a trellis or fence. Alternatively, tie the shoots to a stake or vertical support using thick twine or fabric strips.[11]XResearch source As the bougainvillea grows, continue tying more supports along the vine to continue training it in the direction you want.[12]XResearch source
Bougainvillea vines do not have tendrils, so they don’t naturally wrap around or climb surfaces on their own.
5 Spray insecticidal soap on your plants if you notice pest damage. While bougainvilleas are usually pretty pest-resistant, they may still attract aphids, mites, or scale insects. If you notice any leaf damage or small insects infesting your bougainvilleas, apply the insecticidal soap directly to the plants to get rid of them.[13]XResearch source
If you notice large circular cutouts from the leaves, you may be dealing with bougainvillea looper caterpillars. Hand-pick any caterpillars you see on your bougainvillea, or apply bacillus thuringiensis pesticides to get rid of them.
6 Bring bougainvillea indoors if temperatures drop below freezing. If you live in a hardiness zone that gets below freezing during the winter, take the potted bougainvillea inside for the winter. Keep the plant near a south-facing window (in the northern hemisphere) or a north-facing window (in the southern hemisphere) where it still gets direct sunlight. Keep the temperature above 60 °F (16 °C).[14]XResearch source
It’s normal for bougainvilleas to drop a few leaves and blooms when you move it inside. Just ensure that your plant gets a lot of sunlight and stays warm throughout the day.
7 Repot bougainvillea when the roots grow out of the drainage holes. Bougainvilleas don’t mind being a little rootbound in their pot, but roots coming out from the bottom are a sign it’s time to transplant them. Choose a pot about 1 in (2.5 cm) wider than the old one, and ensure it has drainage holes. Water your plant and slowly pull it out from the soil so you don’t disturb the delicate roots. Set the bougainvillea in the new pot and fill in around the roots to finish repotting it.[15]XResearch source
8 Propagate bougainvillea using cuttings from the current season’s growth. If you want to grow another bougainvillea, look for a fresh shoot that just grew in. Use a pair of pruners to cut off a section that contains 7 nodes, or spots where leaves and thorns grow. Cut the bottom of the stem to a 45-degree angle and dip it rooting hormone before planting it. Water and fertilize the new stem like normal so the new bougainvillea plant establishes.[16]X Expert Source Monique CapanelliPlant SpecialistExpert Interview
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How do you propagate Bougainvillea? Monique Capanelli Plant Specialist Monique Capanelli is a Plant Specialist and the Owner and Designer for Articulture Designs, an innovative design firm and boutique in Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Monique specializes in interior botanical design, living walls, event decor, and sustainable landscape design. She attended the University of Texas at Austin. Monique is a Certified Permaculture Designer. She provides plant and botanical design experiences, from small gifts to entire transformations, to shoppers as well as commercial clients including Whole Foods Market and The Four Seasons. Monique Capanelli Plant Specialist Expert Answer Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 9
Question How many times per day do I need to water the plant? Katie Gohmann Professional Gardener Katherine Gohmann is a Professional Gardener in Texas. She has been a home gardener and professional gardener since 2008. Katie Gohmann Professional Gardener Expert Answer It's not as simple as that. You need to stick your finger into the soil up to the knuckle. If the soil at the bottom (the tip of your finger) is damp, don't water. If it's dry, give the plant a good drink. I recommend checking the soil every day- but that doesn't mean you will water every day. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 23 Helpful 117
Question My leaves are curling up. What should I do? Katie Gohmann Professional Gardener Katherine Gohmann is a Professional Gardener in Texas. She has been a home gardener and professional gardener since 2008. Katie Gohmann Professional Gardener Expert Answer Sometimes curled leaves mean you have an insect problem. Check the top and underside of the leaves for bugs, and use an insecticidal soap, insecticide, or oil to get rid of them. The flowers won't last forever- when they fade, trim them off, and trim the whole plant back a few inches. It should reflower after a while. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 28 Helpful 80
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Avoid over-watering bougainvillea because it can prevent the plant from flowering or cause the roots to rot. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toPrune BougainvilleaHow toPropagate BougainvilleaHow toCare for a Hibiscus PlantHow toPlant VinesHow toCare for a BegoniaHow to Grow Bottle Gourd from SeedsHow toCare for a GardeniaHow toGrow PoinsettiaHow to Plant and Care for Butterfly Pea FlowersHow toGrow BoysenberriesHow toGrow Bird of ParadiseHow toPlant HibiscusHow toGrow BambooHow toGrow a Plumeria Advertisement
Co-authored by: Monique Capanelli Plant Specialist This article was co-authored by Monique Capanelli and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Monique Capanelli is a Plant Specialist and the Owner and Designer for Articulture Designs, an innovative design firm and boutique in Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Monique specializes in interior botanical design, living walls, event decor, and sustainable landscape design. She attended the University of Texas at Austin. Monique is a Certified Permaculture Designer. She provides plant and botanical design experiences, from small gifts to entire transformations, to shoppers as well as commercial clients including Whole Foods Market and The Four Seasons. This article has been viewed 1,399,013 times. 8 votes - 100% Co-authors: 22Updated: September 8, 2024 Views: 1,399,013 Categories: Growing Trees and ShrubsArticle SummaryX
To grow bougainvillea, plant it in well-draining soil in a sunny outdoor spot. Water your bougainvillea sparingly whenever the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry so that the soil becomes damp but not soaked. You should also apply a balanced fertilizer to your bougainvillea every few months so it grows strong and healthy. To maintain your bougainvillea's shape, trim the branches back a few inches each year after it's finished blooming for the season. For more tips on growing bougainvillea, like what to do with it during the winter, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Italian Portuguese Russian German French Chinese Indonesian Dutch Thai Hindi Vietnamese Korean Japanese Arabic Turkish Czech
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,399,013 times.
Reader Success Stories
Nelia Sim
Mar 24, 2016
"The sunburst of colors from the different kinds of bougainvilleas I see on sidewalks, fences, and along the streets in my country, the Philippines, started my collection. To my dismay, I have plenty of greens instead of blooms, even though my choices are considered collectors' items. I gained a better understanding about the plant. Hopefully, I will get favorable results this summer. Thank you so much!"..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Monique Capanelli Plant Specialist Co-authors: 22Updated: September 8, 2024 Views: 1,399,013100% of readers found this article helpful. 8 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Nelia Sim
Mar 24, 2016
"The sunburst of colors from the different kinds of bougainvilleas I see on sidewalks, fences, and along the streets in my country, the Philippines, started my collection. To my dismay, I have plenty of greens instead of blooms, even though my choices are considered collectors' items. I gained a better understanding about the plant. Hopefully, I will get favorable results this summer. Thank you so much!"..." more
A. Blue
Jun 15, 2017
"New to the coastal south of North Carolina and am loving this plant. The information about things like the poison ivy effect were so helpful. I work full-time as a foliage technician and am about to build a trellis inside 2 pots tomorrow. I'm very glad to know I need to wear gloves. I'm severely allergic to the ivy. This one article tells all I would ever need to know!"..." more Rated this article:
Ken O.
May 24, 2017
"I purchased a plant from a supermarket with no instructions. I kept it in the pot and placed it facing south. However, it began to wilt. I have found out through reading these instructions that I have over watered it. By reducing the watering and following your care instructions, the plant is recovering."..." more Rated this article:
Nora Harlow
May 17, 2016
"I brought a bougainvillea this year without any way of knowing how to care for it. I now feel I can give it a good home here in Texas. If it works out, I may add many more, since my chickens don't seem to bother them. It's hard to find flowers that work here."..." more
Anonymous
May 24, 2017
"The flowers on our bougainvillea plants kept dying and falling off. After reading this article, we realized we over-watered the plants. The watering and maintaining tips are very useful. At this point, it may be best to replace the plants and start over."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
What Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhat Plant Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Veggie Am I QuizTake QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toPrune BougainvilleaHow toPropagate BougainvilleaHow toCare for a Hibiscus PlantHow toPlant Vines
Featured Articles
How toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?
Trending Articles
Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAttractiveness Score QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizHypersexuality TestWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Featured Articles
How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With
Featured Articles
What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)
Watch Articles
How toTie a Loop KnotHow toMake Body OilHow toMake Almond MilkHow toWash White Clothes by HandHow toSkin a ChickenHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar
Trending Articles
What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizChoose Your Own Adventure GameYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb Crushes151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskAm I Good at Flirting QuizWhat Is Your Lip Type?
Quizzes & Games
What Flower Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Pokémon Type Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizTake QuizWhere Should I Move QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake Quiz
Categories
Home and Garden
Gardening
Planting and Growing
Growing Trees and Shrubs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
Download Article Add these flowering vines to your landscape with these helpful tips Co-authored by Monique Capanelli and Hunter Rising 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Monique Capanelli Plant Specialist This article was co-authored by Monique Capanelli and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Monique Capanelli is a Plant Specialist and the Owner and Designer for Articulture Designs, an innovative design firm and boutique in Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Monique specializes in interior botanical design, living walls, event decor, and sustainable landscape design. She attended the University of Texas at Austin. Monique is a Certified Permaculture Designer. She provides plant and botanical design experiences, from small gifts to entire transformations, to shoppers as well as commercial clients including Whole Foods Market and The Four Seasons. This article has been viewed 1,399,013 times. 8 votes - 100% Co-authors: 22 Updated: September 8, 2024 Views: 1,399,013 Categories: Growing Trees and Shrubs Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
787 
1 Plant bougainvillea outdoors if you’re in zones 9B through 11. Bougainvillea thrives in arid places that are hot and relatively dry. Check a USDA hardiness zone map to find out what growing climate you live in. If you live in zones 9B through 11, bougainvillea will survive outdoors all year long.[1] 
2 Plant bougainvillea in pots if temperatures dip below freezing. Bougainvilleas will not survive outdoors in cold climates, but they’ll still thrive as a houseplant if you bring them indoors. Keep your bougainvilleas in a pot so you’re able to leave them outside in the summer and bring them indoors for the winter.[2] 
3 Pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight during the day. Bougainvillea needs full sun, or 6 hours of direct light without shade. If you’re planting bougainvillea outdoors, then look for a spot that’s facing south (if you’re in the northern hemisphere) or north (if you’re in the northern hemisphere). If you’re keeping bougainvilleas indoors, place them near a large south-facing (for the northern hemisphere) or north-facing (for the southern hemisphere) window.[3] 
4 Choose a planting spot with well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0. Bougainvillea grows best in dry conditions, so it doesn't do well when there’s a lot of moisture. Run a soil test using a pH test kit to determine if the planting medium has a slightly acidic pH around 6.0. If you need to, adjust the soil pH before planting your bougainvilleas.[4] 
5 Plant the bougainvillea into the ground or in a pot. If you’re planting directly into the ground, dig a hole as deep as the bougainvillea plant's root ball. If you’re planting in a container, pick a pot with drainage holes that’s just 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) wider than the bougainvillea’s root ball. Water the bougainvillea lightly and slowly lift it out from the original pot. Without disturbing the roots, set the bougainvillea into the hole or pot. Fill in around the root ball with soil, and lightly pat it down around the base of the plant.[7] 
1 Water bougainvillea when the soil dries out. Bougainvillea plants actually prefer the soil to dry out between waterings since they’re originally from arid climates. Stick a finger into the soil up to your knuckle. If the soil feels dry, then it is time to water. Water the soil until it’s completely saturated or until you see water running out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the container.[9] 
2 Apply a slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer once a month through midsummer. Use half the recommended amount of fertilizer on the package so your bougainvilleas don’t grow too much vegetation. Start top-dressing the soil with your fertilizer in the early spring, and immediately water the soil so it soaks in. Apply the fertilizer every month to promote healthy blooms and growth. 
3 Prune bougainvillea in the late winter or early spring. After your bougainvillea bloom or right before the growing season, take a pair of pruners and trim off any dead or overcrowded shoots. Trim all the shoots coming off the main stem so only 2 or 3 buds (where leaves or thorns grow from) are left on each of them. Keep trimming away any twiggy or spindly growth until you’ve removed about a third of the total foliage.[10] 
4 Tie bougainvillea shoots to a fence or trellis to train them to climb. Bougainvillea plants have sprawling vines that can grow on fences, trellises, and walls with a little extra support. If you'd like the plant to grow vertically, tuck the bougainvillea branches through slots in a trellis or fence. Alternatively, tie the shoots to a stake or vertical support using thick twine or fabric strips.[11] As the bougainvillea grows, continue tying more supports along the vine to continue training it in the direction you want.[12] 
5 Spray insecticidal soap on your plants if you notice pest damage. While bougainvilleas are usually pretty pest-resistant, they may still attract aphids, mites, or scale insects. If you notice any leaf damage or small insects infesting your bougainvilleas, apply the insecticidal soap directly to the plants to get rid of them.[13] 
6 Bring bougainvillea indoors if temperatures drop below freezing. If you live in a hardiness zone that gets below freezing during the winter, take the potted bougainvillea inside for the winter. Keep the plant near a south-facing window (in the northern hemisphere) or a north-facing window (in the southern hemisphere) where it still gets direct sunlight. Keep the temperature above 60 °F (16 °C).[14] 
7 Repot bougainvillea when the roots grow out of the drainage holes. Bougainvilleas don’t mind being a little rootbound in their pot, but roots coming out from the bottom are a sign it’s time to transplant them. Choose a pot about 1 in (2.5 cm) wider than the old one, and ensure it has drainage holes. Water your plant and slowly pull it out from the soil so you don’t disturb the delicate roots. Set the bougainvillea in the new pot and fill in around the roots to finish repotting it.[15] 
8 Propagate bougainvillea using cuttings from the current season’s growth. If you want to grow another bougainvillea, look for a fresh shoot that just grew in. Use a pair of pruners to cut off a section that contains 7 nodes, or spots where leaves and thorns grow. Cut the bottom of the stem to a 45-degree angle and dip it rooting hormone before planting it. Water and fertilize the new stem like normal so the new bougainvillea plant establishes.[16] Advertisement 
Monique Capanelli Plant Specialist Monique Capanelli is a Plant Specialist and the Owner and Designer for Articulture Designs, an innovative design firm and boutique in Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Monique specializes in interior botanical design, living walls, event decor, and sustainable landscape design. She attended the University of Texas at Austin. Monique is a Certified Permaculture Designer. She provides plant and botanical design experiences, from small gifts to entire transformations, to shoppers as well as commercial clients including Whole Foods Market and The Four Seasons. 
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 9 
Katie Gohmann Professional Gardener Katherine Gohmann is a Professional Gardener in Texas. She has been a home gardener and professional gardener since 2008.