But how much do we love bougainvillea? In summer we see how it comes alive with its cascades of colorful flowers, walls and hedges and the desire to have it at home becomes irresistible. Growing it is not difficult, as long as you take into account the climate: as it is a plant of tropical origin, it needs the right temperatures. Here are some tips for growing and pruning.

Bounganvillea: tips for cultivation

Many types of bougainvillea are climbing and are suitable for growing in pots, while others, including the Buttiana variety. Preparing the pot or container in which the plant will be housed is the basis of a good start. Bougainvillea fears stagnation: to avoid this, place a layer of expanded clay or gravel or fragments on the ground that facilitate water drainage. Then fill it with cool, soft, and aerated soil. The easiest way to propagate bougainvillea is by cuttings: cut off a branch about ten centimeters long from an adult specimen and stick it directly to the ground. Alternatively, you can place it in a pot filled with sand and peat moss. You can also use seeds or transplant seedlings that have already grown, as long as it is done in spring, when the weather conditions are ideal for this type of plant. Bougainvillea is a fairly hardy plant and is not easy prey for disease, but aphids and mealybugs are always lurking.

Bounganvillea: Pruning

Bougainvillea tend to grow and reproduce quickly, so timely pruning is essential. Follow these steps:

  • To adjust the potting bushes, cut off the tops
  • In the case of climbers, it is necessary to remove the weakest and/or most irregular branches by about a third. Hold the blades with the scissors slightly at an angle to the branch.

With these simple precautions, the plant will grow healthy and vigorous and remain intact for a long time.

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