As summer comes to an end, my brightly colored bougainvillea slowly begins to prepare for the cold and seems to get lost in the hushed garden. And in order for it to bloom again next season, it is important to prepare it properly for winter. Over the years of experimentation on our plot, I have found several methods that do not require moving all the plants into the house. Let’s figure out together how you can organize winter care for bougainvillea without nervousness for yourself and without stress for the plant.
Winterization – leave it outside or move it outdoors
This decision depends solely on your climate. If, like us, the winter may not be snowy but there are night frosts, the plants will need protection. For those in regions with mild winters, I have a few ways to provide winter care for bougainvillea outside and keep it from freezing.
First and foremost, determine the temperatures that are acceptable. If there are no severe frosts in your climate (at least -1-2°C), you can organize protection right on the plot. And if the temperature still falls below, you will have to think about moving it into the house.
The location of the bougainvillea in your garden is important. If it grows along the southern wall, the plant not only gets maximum heat, but is also protected from cold winds. By the way, we tried to place it on the north side and regretted it very much. The bougainvillea shed its leaves immediately, so a southern or western location is best.
Adapting bougainvillea to indoor overwintering
Those who move bougainvillea into the house know how important it is to properly adapt the plant to such changes. You should start by moving it partially for 1-2 weeks. Gradually reduce the time the plant spends outdoors.
And already when the plant remains indoors, do not forget about light and heat. We use plant lamps very actively, because bougainvillea requires at least 5-6 hours of light, even in winter. Find it on Amazon
An important nuance remains the ventilation of the room. I make sure to give the plant a so-called “fresh air” once a week. I open the windows for a few minutes, ventilating, let in fresh frosty air. I am not afraid that the plant will freeze, just do not allow a sharp temperature difference.
Lifehack. Use a moist tray with pebbles under the pot to keep the humidity in the room. This is especially true for homes with central heating.
Branch pruning
Before winter, bougainvillea requires a thorough pruning, so don’t spare the branches. So don’t forget to do the pruning so that you don’t end up with a weak bush by spring.
- Remove thin and weak branches, leaving only strong shoots. Pruning helps the plant to conserve strength for foliage growth in the spring.
- Prune to a third of the length of the plant – it “rests” in winter, and the less green it is, the less care is required.
Recommendation. Proven garden shears for such pruning can be found on Amazon.
Creating insulation for bougainvillea outdoors
In colder regions, it’s often necessary to insulate plants on the property. Here’s how I create a winter warm “blanket” for our bougainvillea:
- Covering with fabric or film. Personally, I carefully wrap with plant protection fabric and secure it underneath to keep warm.
- Mulch. Without mulch can not do without, of course. I recommend adding it in a layer (from 5 cm) around the roots. Pine bark or dry leaves are good for this. Mulch retains the heat of the soil and additionally protects the roots. Mulch options here.
By the way! If frosts are expected, always keep a covering material ready. It can be any old cloth – easy to cover overnight and remove in the morning.
Watering and fertilizing in winter: what, when and how much
Mistakes in watering can be fatal, as this is almost the main cause of death of bougainvillea in winter. Pay attention and remember that in winter you need to water less often. Bougainvillea in a dormant state consumes little moisture.
- Indoor plants. Watering is not more often than once every 2-3 weeks. And here the main rule is to check the dryness of the soil at a depth of a couple of centimeters.
- Outdoor plants. We follow the weather – if the winter is wet, practically do not water. At us, for example, snow and rain do their job. But if the winter is dry, then once a month you can water.
And one more subtlety: fertilizers in winter is better not to use and put them away. We always start feeding plants in the spring, as soon as the first leaves appear.
The important final stage is preparation for the return to the garden
As spring arrives, don’t be in a hurry to bring the bougainvillea back to the plot. A couple of weeks before the transfer, start to take it outside only a little at a time, increasing the amount of time in the sun each day. The plant will then adapt gradually and avoid unnecessary stress.
For us personally, this approach is justified and helps a lot: the plants start blooming earlier and feel great.
Share your stories
I’m sure every gardener has their own exclusive skills and tricks for winter care of bougainvillea. I would love to hear how you prepare your bougainvillea for winter.
Let’s share helpful tips in the comments.
