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Bougainvillea is native to tropical and subtropical South America and is far liked and prized for its vibrant bracts which resemble petals. In a heat greenhouse a mature bougainvillea can attain a top of 10 metres however, fortunately, in a big pot you’ll be able to count on a top of about 2.5m.
For these rising this plant of their gardens within the UK, it is perhaps wiser to develop it completely indoors, moderately than probability it with the ‘nice British summer season’. If you happen to get the whole lot excellent, chances are you’ll discover it’ll flower for a lot of the yr, simply needing an occasional snip to regulate its progress and tidy up previous stems. If you happen to’re barely late to the sport – bear this recommendation in thoughts for subsequent yr.
If you happen to love your backyard however want recommendation on the way to maintain it trying lush and welcoming all yr spherical, prime head gardener Tom Brown may also help. On this common column he demystifies frequent gardening issues, explains what to deal with when, and exhibits the way to make each second on the plot extra enjoyable and productive. Comfortable gardening!
Can I develop bougainvillea in my backyard?
Most of us don’t have a greenhouse massive sufficient to develop a 10m specimen, however we will all efficiently develop these stunning vegetation in containers with a little safety from the worst winter climate.
Most are very completely satisfied in a frost-free conservatory throughout the winter and may be positioned outdoors in summer season.
Bougainvilleas want good gentle ranges however keep away from exposing them to intense daylight throughout the warmth of the day; in winter they want a minimal temperature of 10C. In hotter situations, bougainvilleas are evergreen however within the majority of circumstances within the UK, the place situations are cooler, they drop their leaves and should be saved on the dry aspect throughout winter in an effort to survive. Chilly and moist usually are not good bedfellows for vegetation – a dry plant is much extra prone to survive a tough winter than one with saturated floor or soil.
When selecting a pot, keep away from plunging a bougainvillea into a really massive container immediately – they dislike being overpotted. They’re far happier when repotted every spring, being moved on to a barely bigger container every time. With regards to compost, use a John Innes No.3 and water nicely in summer season however cut back the watering from the beginning of October after which give completely minimal water till March.
From March onwards, as soon as repotted and progress begins, feed with a nitrogen-based fertiliser till the bracts begin to seem, then swap to a balanced seaweed feed till flowering has completed. Revert to the nitrogen feed till early autumn. Look to feed your bougainvillea as soon as per week – incorporate them into your Friday feeding regime.
As a climber, bougainvillas want some assist, maybe within the type of an obelisk; all through the rising season, tie in new progress to the assist. After flowering, lengthy extension growths may be reduce to 2.5cm from their origin.
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