🌸 Bougainvillea: Growing Guide
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at 2–42 °C (36–108 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Space plants about 300 cm (118 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Bougainvillea spectabilis |
|---|---|
| Category | Ornamentals |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 300 cm (118 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 2–42 °C (36–108 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Height | 300–1200 cm (118–472 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Sep.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Aug, Dec–Feb · Harvest: Mar–Jul, Sep–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb–Mar · Harvest: Apr–Sep.
Watering
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Let the soil dry out.
Growing tips
A symbol of the Mediterranean! Purple, pink, red or orange. Drought tolerant. Thrives in warm climates.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Bougainvillea: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Sep. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Aug, Dec–Feb · Harvest: Mar–Jul, Sep–Nov. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
Bougainvillea: how often should I water it?
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Let the soil dry out.
Bougainvillea: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 300 cm (118 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 2 cm (0.8 in).
Bougainvillea: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Bougainvillea: which plants grow well with it?
Geranium.
Bougainvillea: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids, Mites.
Plan your garden
Add Bougainvillea to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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