Bougainvillea Pruning and Pinching Proper pruning is important for bougainvillea to bloom. Many grow bougainvilleas in containers and prune hard in winter before bringing the … Pruning and wiring - The bougainvillea takes well to pruning; a useful attribute in styling bonsai. If you want your Bougainvillea to grow out, then prune the new growth. In spring, once the danger of frost has passed, prune back to approximately 1 foot tall and wide. I prefer to do this in the warmer months, but I have carried out these steps even in December with good success. If you want the Bougainvillea to grow up, then prune the outer branches. This flowering shrubs plants prefer full sun. I decided to prune mine in the way that a vineyard manager prunes grape vines, but not as severely. Pruning bougainvillea. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings taken with a heel in summer. The goal of pruning is to remove dead growth. Bougainvillea is a beautiful and well-liked tropical plant that grow vigorous vines filled with papery blossoms in a variety of colors. Prune off any circling or errant roots and plant, adding water and the native soil to the hole. This is the process however, and the bougainvillea can handle this treatment. This will encourage new growth where blooms will develop. Although many gardeners grow bougainvillea directly in the soil, some also grow smaller bougainvillea in containers or hanging baskets. Trees are immediately planted into mica pots. Take cuttings at around 25 cm (10 inches) long. They can grow and climb and invade new parts of a flower bed easily. You can trim to your bougainvillea shape or thin it as you want. Pinching and Pruning Pinch the tips of each stem with your fingers when you first get your bougainvillea to give the plant a more compact form with more flowers growing on more stems. Excessive water can cause the leaves to drop from the plant. To control its growth we have to wait until the end of winter and then disinfect a pruning shears . You have to repot a bougainvillea when you see that there are more roots than the soil. Seal all cuts to prevent rot. Pruning need not be radical – remember bougainvillea flower on last season’s growth. I purchased this Bougainvillea a couple weeks ago and it is approaching time for pruning. Make a mistake and they will quickly recover enough to give you a second chance. This is where the leaves and lateral branches emerge. Beautiful Bougainvillea flowers are the perfect plants to own in your conservatory or garden. Bougainvillea shrubs in the garden. HOW TO PLANT BOUGAINVILLEA IN POTS/JoyUsGarden. Prune bougainvillea as needed to your desired shape in spring and summer. Re-pot in the spring in a pot that is slightly larger than the previous. If the plant is stuck, rap sharply on the sides and bottom of the pot to loosen. But, when and how was it pruned? Pinch off about 1/2 inch of the stem tips and prune plants in early spring to encourage more flowers. 2. A wonderful accent shrub or screen when massed; requires no support. You’ll get spectacular flowers with special bougainvillea fertilizer. Bougainvillea spreads rapidly and, in suitable environments, will quickly grow into small trees or large shrubs several feet high. Soil and fertilizing. If you have extremely cold winters, you would rather plant it in containers. Take care when pruning a bougainvillea, as it has large, sharp thorns. You can also cut off any dead or dying branches as they occur. These late season cuttings may take three months to root. At Westdale Nurseries, we’ve put together this quick and easy guide to pruning and maintaining your Bougainvillea plants, so they can grow to their full potential. 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