One of the prettiest plants that is grown throughout Verandah is the Bougainvillea. Bougainvilleas put on quite a display during the winter months with their colorful, cheery blooms. The “flowers” on these beauties are actually bracts or modified leaves that surround their small white flower.
Bougainvillea, a tropical vining shrub, is native to several countries in South America with climates and growing conditions like South Florida. It is a versatile plant that can be pruned into a shrub or hedge, trained to grow up a trellis or grow as a tree. There are several varieties of Bougainvillea to choose from, ranging in size and available in an array of colors. Larger varieties can reach 20-25 feet if left unpruned and smaller cultivars such as Helen Johnson, and Sunvillea can be trimmed to 2-3 feet.
Bougainvilleas love the sun and favor dry conditions. Thus, the winter months in Verandah are ideal for growing “Bougies.” The best time to prune Bougainvillea is after it flowers in late winter or early spring. When pruning, wear protective gloves and proceed with care! Bougainvilleas are very thorny, particularly the larger variety. Smaller cultivars have been bred to be less thorny. You can fertilize at the end of their bloom cycle with high phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering.
Remember, full sun and well-drained soil is necessary to keep your Bougainvillea happy and healthy!
