This year, stunning flowers have appeared in Armenia – bougainvilleas, which can decorate both your balcony or home, and your garden. The cost of these flowers in Yerevan varies from 3,000 to 14,000 drams, depending on the size of the sprout. Here are some recommendations on how to care for this plant so that it pleases you with its amazing flowers.

Remember that bougainvillea is a perennial plant in zones 9–11, and should be grown as an annual or tropical plant that needs to be brought indoors in all other zones.

The health and flowering of bougainvillea directly depend on the amount of sunlight it receives – it loves the sun! Ideally, it should receive at least 6 full hours of sunlight per day.

In addition, it is better to plant bougainvilleas in places protected from the wind, as they do not like drafts.

Bougainvillea needs well-drained soil to prevent root rot. And remember, depending on the variety, this plant can get quite tall and sprawling. So when planting in the garden, it’s best to choose a location where the bougainvillea can grow and thrive freely.

Likewise, when planting bougainvillea in a container, it’s important to choose a pot with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Use a well-drained potting mix and place the container in a sunny spot.

When to Plant Bougainvillea

The best time to plant is in the spring or early summer, once the threat of frost has passed. This time allows the plant to establish a root system before the heat of summer sets in and provides plenty of time to grow before it faces possible cold weather later in the season. In areas with mild winters, bougainvillea can also be planted in the fall.

Planting Bougainvillea

Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm). Add compost or other organic material to the bed to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Gently loosen the root ball before planting to allow the roots to spread out in the new environment. Once you have placed the plant, fill the hole with soil and firm it around the root ball to avoid air pockets.

Water: After planting, water the bougainvillea thoroughly to firm the soil around the roots. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base of the bougainvillea to suppress weeds.

Tie the plant: If you are growing bougainvillea as a vine, tie the plant to a support structure. You can use plant ties or soft fabric strips for this.

How to Care for Bougainvillea Plants

While your bougainvillea is establishing itself, it will benefit from regular, deep watering, but be sure to let it dry out a bit between waterings. Bougainvillea does not like constantly wet soil.

In very hot, dry climates, bougainvillea may need to be watered more frequently. However, if you water your bougainvillea too often, it may reduce the number of flowers. Reduce watering during the winter months to avoid root rot.

Fertilizer

Bougainvillea appreciates occasional feeding to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms, but constant feeding is not necessary. If you choose to feed your bougainvillea, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once during the growing season or consider using a special bougainvillea fertilizer.

Pruning Bougainvillea: When and How to Do It Right

Pruning is crucial to shaping the plant, encouraging new growth, and ensuring abundant blooms. The best time to prune bougainvillea is usually late winter or early spring. Avoid pruning bougainvillea in the fall, as the foliage protects the plant from the cold.

First, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to keep the plant healthy. Then, trim the tips of the plant to encourage new growth.

Bougainvillea plants do not like temperatures below 10°C, so it is best to move the pots closer to the house or to a protective external wall in September or October. By November, the pot should be moved indoors.

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