A Guide To Bougainvillea Care In Winter

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This flowering machine is most commonly grown outdoors, so you may be wondering what to do in the cooler months.

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Bougainvillea can survive below freezing temperatures as long as they aren’t consecutive. Last winter here in Tucson we had 4 or 5 nights below 32F but they weren’t in a row.

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Here’s the key to its survival: The ground didn’t freeze so the roots weren’t damaged. If the roots freeze, then the plant will die.

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Bougainvilleas can be considered semi-deciduous in winter. The foliage can look a bit “worn” in the winter. Some leaves may fall of but a lot remains on the branches.

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An interesting note: last winter 90% of the foliage on my Barbara Karst froze. It eventually died but still remained on the branches until I did the pruning. I was hoping it would fall off, but oh no!

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Large bougainvilleas are hard to cover. The best thing you can do is protect the roots. Apply at least a 3? layer of mulch (hay, leaves, compost, etc) around the base of the plant covering the area where the roots grow.

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Once the weather warms, just be sure to spread the mulch away from the trunk of the plant. Smaller bougainvilleas growing in the ground or in containers can easily be covered with sheets or freeze cloth.

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More On Bougainvillea Plant Care

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Want more tips on houseplant care & gardening?

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