Ever wonder why we’re so obsessed with the Paperflower—better known as Bougainvillea? It’s simple: those vibrant pops of color instantly transport us back to sun-drenched Mediterranean vacations. But let’s be real—our northern climate only plays nice for a few months out of the year. So, what’s a gardener to do when the chill sets in?
Bring Your Bougainvillea Inside Early
As true children of the sun, Bougainvilleas can’t handle even a kiss of frost. Once the thermometer starts flirting with the freezing point, it’s time to move them indoors immediately. Keep an eye on those crisp autumn nights; they can get icy faster than you think! If you’ve got yours planted in the ground, you’ll need to dig it up and pot it. Pro tip: keeping them in containers year-round makes this “moving day” a whole lot easier.
The Perfect Winter Vibe
In our neck of the woods, Bougainvilleas prefer a winter break that’s cool, frost-free, and ideally bright. While some hybrid varieties don’t mind staying warm and skipping dormancy altogether, most will thrive in spots like:
- Bright stairwells
- Sunrooms or Florida rooms
- Heated greenhouses
- Hallways with plenty of natural light
- Basements with windows
Finding the Sweet Spot for Temperature
Giving your plant a proper winter rest is key—otherwise, you might find it refusing to bloom next season. The “Goldilocks zone” is usually between 40°F and 50°F (5-10°C). Some varieties are okay up to 60°F (17°C) and might even keep a few flowers. Just remember to transition them slowly so they can adjust their metabolism. If the room is on the darker or cooler side, don’t panic if it drops its leaves—that’s totally normal and won’t hurt the plant.
Pre-Winter Pruning
While we usually prune in the spring, feel free to grab your shears in the fall if space is tight in your winter storage area. You can safely cut the plant back by about half its size to make it more manageable.
Winter Aftercare
Keep the root ball just barely moist. Let the top layer of soil dry out before watering, and always empty the saucer so it’s not sitting in “wet feet.” Interestingly, the drier you keep it during winter (within reason!), the more blooms you’ll get in the summer. If it’s in a cool spot, skip the fertilizer entirely. If you’re keeping it in a warm room with all its leaves, a little liquid fertilizer once a month is fine. And of course, keep a sharp eye out for any hitchhiking pests!
The February Wake-Up Call
Come February, your Bougainvillea might start thinking about spring. If you see new growth, move it to a brighter spot and gradually warm it up to about 60-70°F. This is also the time to ramp up watering and feeding. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can take cuttings from mature (but not woody) stems for propagation. Just wait until mid-May—once the danger of frost is 100% gone—before moving it back outside.
Quick Tip:
If you love the look but don’t have the space for a massive vine, try training your plant into a stunning, space-saving Bonsai!
