Bougainvilleas are beautiful vine-like shrubs that come in a variety of vibrant colors and make for a stunning statement in any home or garden. They prefer mild winter areas and can grow against a fence, building, on a trellis, in containers or as a hedge. With over 250 varieties of bougainvilleas out there, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for your home!
Below we’ll cover proper bougainvillea care in pots, including sun, water, temperature and other care needs so you can begin nurturing your bougainvilleas in containers. We’ve also included different types of bougainvilleas and some frequently asked care questions so you can become familiar with these beautiful summer flowers!
Bougainvilleas are tropical vines with beautiful and vibrant bracts (modified leaves) which surround tiny white flowers. So the colorful parts you see when you look at a bougainvillea are actually the leaves, not petals!
This stunning plant can be found in the warmest parts of the world, including Mexico, India, the Mediterranean and the southern United States. Bougainvilleas go all the way back to 1768 when French explorer Philibert Commerçon saw these flowers in their native home of Brazil and named them after his friend, Louis Antoine de Bougainville. Since then, this pretty (but thorny!) plant has been introduced to many southern climates and is loved by many.
With over 250 varieties of bougainvilleas out there, most of them reach between 3 to39 feet in height. Though these vivid blooms are relatively easy to grow, they prefer to be in full sunlight and require a bit of maintenance.
Barbara Karst bougainvillea is a popular variety known for its stunning magenta-pink bracts that bloom profusely throughout the year While this tropical vine is commonly grown in gardens, it can also thrive in containers Growing Barbara Karst bougainvillea in pots allows you to enjoy the vibrant colors and cascading flowers on patios, balconies, and other small spaces. Follow these tips for successfully using this bougainvillea plant in containers.
Choosing the Right Container
Select a container that is large enough to accommodate the spreading roots of Barbara Karst bougainvillea. This fast-growing vine can reach up to 20 feet tall and wide in ideal conditions. Aim for a container that is at least 10-15 gallons in size. Remember that bougainvilleas bloom best when slightly rootbound.
Opt for a lightweight plastic resin or fiberglass pot with drainage holes. Make sure the container is sturdy enough to support the spreading vines. You can also use decorative pots but add drainage holes if they are lacking.
Getting the Soil Right
Barbara Karst bougainvillea thrives in a well-draining soil mix. Combine equal parts potting soil, compost, and perlite or builders sand. You can also purchase a commercial potting mix formulated for containers and flowering plants.
The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5-6.5. Test the soil and amend with sulfur if needed to lower pH.
Make sure the soil mix drains well to prevent soggy roots but also retains some moisture. Adding water-holding polymers can help achieve this balance
Planting and Positioning
Carefully remove the bougainvillea plant from its nursery pot, loosen any circling roots and place it in the container. Position the crown about an inch below the rim. Refill the pot with your prepared soil mix. Gently tamp down but do not pack too tightly.
Situate the potted bougainvillea in a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun. Protect from strong winds which can damage the fragile vines and blossoms.
Consider staking or trellising the vines as they grow. You can also let them cascade over the edges of the pot for a lovely effect.
Watering Needs
Barbara Karst bougainvillea requires regular deep watering during the active growing season. Check the soil moisture and water thoroughly whenever the top few inches become dry. Avoid allowing the soil to completely dry out.
In very hot weather, you may need to water daily. Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows. Always water in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out.
Feeding for Flowers
Feed containerized bougainvilleas regularly during spring through fall to encourage prolific blooming. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-3 weeks. You can also incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the potting mix before planting.
Cease feeding over winter when the plant is dormant. Resume fertilizing when new growth emerges in spring.
Pruning for Shape
Pinch or trim Barbara Karst bougainvillea frequently to maintain a compact, shaped form. Prune off spent flower bracts to encourage new blooms.
You can prune back overgrown shoots any time but avoid heavy pruning just before the main spring flowering period. Remove dead or damaged stems as needed.
Overwintering Care
In cold climates, move the potted bougainvillea plant to a protected area before temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. An unheated garage or covered porch works well.
Reduce watering over winter but don’t let soil dry out completely. Withhold fertilizer until spring. Cut back on pruning as well since growth is minimal.
Check for pests like aphids or signs of disease while overwintering. Treat any issues promptly to avoid spreading problems in spring.
Troubleshooting Problems
Watch for potential pests like spider mites, mealybugs and aphids on both leaves and stems. Hose off plants with water to dislodge most pests or use appropriate organic insecticidal soap as needed.
Prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew by watering at the base and avoiding wetting leaves. Improve air circulation around plants.
If blooms decline, increase sunlight exposure and fertilize more regularly with a flowering plant fertilizer. pruning off old flowering stems will also encourage new blooms.
Repot in fresh soil if plants appear stunted and underperforming. Root bound bougainvilleas will fail to thrive. Discard any diseased plants to prevent spreading issues.
With the right care, Barbara Karst bougainvillea makes a stunning addition to container gardens or patios. Follow these tips for successfully growing this eye-catching plant in pots and enjoying the vibrant pink blooms all season long. Adjust care as needed based on the plant’s performance over time.
9 Types of Bougainvilleas
While widely known for their vivid colors and vine-like features, there are plenty of varieties out there that have unique characteristics to fit any garden aesthetic. Below are some of the most popular bougainvillea varieties that are best suited for container growth.
Considered one of the most popular varieties, this beautiful shrub grows bracts in bright shades of magenta and red that surround tiny white flowers. Once they’re fully mature, they can grow up to 20 feet high. If you live in hardiness zones 9-12, consider the Barbara Karst!
If you live in a hotter climate (zone 11 or higher), consider getting Camarillo Fiestas. These fast-spreading vines love the heat and grow hot pink and gold bracts that can sometimes get up to 30 feet tall.
These famously gold bracts will add a warm and inviting touch to your garden and prefer hardiness zones between 10 and 12. They can grow up to 15 feet high and bloom in early spring to late fall.
As the name suggests, these bougainvilleas look quite similar to the cherry blossom tree. They grow in beautiful shades of light pink with a white center and are perfect for hanging baskets during the summertime. This variety prefers to grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Looking for something more elegant? These stunning varieties grow clusters of white, round bracts that thrive in late spring to early fall. Because it tends to spread quickly, you’ll want to place it in a spiller container, where it can spill gracefully over the pot. White Stripes like to be grown in hardiness zones 11 and above.
Known for their fragrance, White Madonnas are often seen in shades of white and sometimes light pink. Be sure you provide moderate water and full sunlight to ensure the health and happiness of the plant. White Madonnas prefer hardiness zones 8 or 9.
These gorgeous lilac paper leaves are the perfect accent to any garden or home and are quite easy to care for. Unlike other bougainvillea varieties, Silhouettes are slow-growing and completely thornless, so if you have pets or young children, this may be a good choice for you. If you live in hardiness zone 10, this variety would do well in your garden.
This variety comes in a deep shade of purple and you’ll often find small white flowers within the bracts. These bougainvilleas can grow up to 20 feet high and are perfect if you’re looking for a plant that creates a beautiful display in an outdoor setting. Keep in mind these plants like a hardiness zone of 10 or higher.
If you want a more toned-down and subtle bougainvillea, Delta Dawns may be the perfect choice for you. The pastel orange bracts and creamy white leaves are a lovely addition to any home or patio, and they grow all year-round! Consider these plants if you live in a hardiness zone of 9 or 10.
Why is my bougainvillea dying?
There could be many factors playing a role in the decline of your plant’s health, but one of the most common reasons is overwatering. You’ll begin to notice the leaves falling off and stunted growth, which is a sign to cut back on your watering routine.
Be sure to take into account the temperature your plant is growing in — in the colder months, you won’t need to water the plant as often as the summer months, when temperatures reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
How I Care For My Bougainvillea in Zone 9B! :: Bougainvillea Care :: How To Grow Bougainvillea
FAQ
Does bougainvillea do well in containers?
Can bougainvillea be grown in pots?
What is the best potting mix for bougainvillea in pots?
Can Bougainvillea grow in pots?
It is a vigorous grower that can reach up to 15-20 feet but can be trained to grow in a pot with regular pruning. Choosing the right container for Growing Bougainvillea in Pots is crucial for its growth and health. Initially, you can start a young plant in an 8-10 inches deep pot.
How do you grow bougainvillea in a container?
Any container used for growing bougainvillea must have at least one drainage hole. Install a trellis or support at planting time; installing one later may damage the roots. Water a newly planted bougainvillea frequently to keep the soil moist. Once the plant is established, it blooms best if the soil is a little on the dry side.
Can you grow bougainvillea in a urn?
A row of potted bougainvillea in large ceramic urns at La Encantada. The large canopy of these mature plants shades out the lower growth giving them a lovely vine-like look. Before you even think about growing this floriferous plant, ensure the spot it’s going in gets at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
How do you encourage bougainvillea to bloom?
To encourage bougainvillea to bloom, follow these tips: Provide full sun: Bougainvillea needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal blooming. Maintain a regular watering schedule: Water the plant deeply and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.