Bougainvillea—also known as the Paperflower—is famous for putting on a spectacular show of color when you get the care and location just right. Pinpointing exactly when those vibrant blooms will pop up can be a bit tricky, though, since it depends on your local weather just as much as your gardening skills.
Beginn der Blüte
If you’ve been researching when bougainvillea starts blooming, you’ve probably seen a huge range of dates—anywhere from March all the way to July. That might seem confusing, but there’s a logical reason for the gap.
To get those iconic blooms, your bougainvillea needs two main things:
- Tons of direct sunlight
- Consistent warmth
In most parts of the country, the balcony or patio only provides enough of both starting in mid-summer. That’s why July is a very realistic start date for many gardeners. Seeing blooms in March is pretty rare unless you have a professional-grade greenhouse. Plus, if your plant didn’t spend the winter in a heated sunroom, it usually takes its sweet time to wake up and start growing again—sometimes not until June.
Ende der Blüte
Just like the start of the season, the end depends on the forecast. Once the days get shorter and the temperatures drop at its location, the plant will stop producing new flowers. Usually, this happens around September. However, if you live in a mild climate or we’re having a particularly “Indian Summer,” you might see color well into October.
One rule of thumb: bring your bougainvillea inside by mid-October at the latest. The nights get chilly fast, and these tropical beauties really don’t like temperatures in the low 40s or 30s. Even if it’s still blooming, it’s better to bring it in and protect it from the cold.
Blütezeit verlängern
Want to keep the party going as long as possible? The goal is to keep the plant outdoors where the light is best for as long as you safely can. While we can’t control the sun, you can help with the temperature:
- Place the pot against a south-facing brick or stone wall; they soak up heat during the day and radiate it back at night.
- Look for sunny, tucked-away corners that stay naturally warmer and protected from the wind.
Zweite Blüte?
To encourage a second flush of flowers, some gardeners recommend giving the plant a light trim after the first wave of blooms fades. This can stimulate new growth and fresh buds. However, a happy, well-fed bougainvillea will often bloom in natural waves all on its own, so don’t go too crazy with the shears!
