Story: Tips to Growing Bougainvillea's
Episode: 4
Presenter: Nigel Ruck
Air Date: 23rd March 2024

Nigel shows us some tips and tricks on how to start growing your own bougainvillea at home.

• Bougainvilleas are a very popular climber or sprawling shrub due to their long-lasting display of bright colours, including white, pink, orange, yellow, purple and red.
• The plant is native to eastern South America, so they can thrive in most parts of Australia and are relatively easy to grow under suitable conditions.
• Bougainvilleas can be propagated from cuttings in summer and early autumn, with cuttings taken from new shoots and planted in propagating sand, ensuring adequate moisture.
• They require ample sunlight and well-drained soil in the garden, so if you have a plant that is struggling, improving their drainage can help them grow.
• Unless allowed to sprawl, bougainvillea’s require robust support structures for climbing, such as a fence, shed, pergola or wire.
• Planting bougainvillea’s requires caution due to their thorns, so wear protective gear such as gloves, long sleeves, and eyewear.
• Bougainvillea can be fragile, so it is best to be delicate when planting them, especially larger ones.
• Water regularly especially in hotter weather and use low nitrogen, high potassium fertiliser to promote flowering.
• Pruning is typically done after flowering in autumn, although it can be carried out at any time to manage growth.
• Dwarf varieties are available for space-constrained environments.