Choose a 21-5-20 water-soluble fertilizer to feed your bougainvillea. 6 Reasons For Dry, Crispy Japanese Maple Leaves Is Your Tree Dying? Just one application will last up to 6 months! Few garden plants are as polarizing for gardeners as the honeysuckle. Because the majority of the foliage and root system develop during the vegetative growth phase, it is critical to feed your bougainvillea a nitrogen-rich diet during this time. You may be wondering when the best time to fertilize your plant is. Make sure that you provide optimum drainage when the temperature drops. In cooler climates, the plant growth occurs at a very lower rate thus, you may not need to apply fertilizers when the plant isnt actively growing. WebBGI BOUGAIN 10lb Bag, Bougainvillea Fertilizer Brand: BGI Fertilizers 384 ratings $3798 ($0.24 / Ounce) FREE Returns About this item Formulated specifically for bougainvillea Dramatically increases blooms 5% Iron content is the key to beautiful bougainvillea Easy to apply granular, no mixing, once-a-month application Water thoroughly after applying fertilizer so that it can start working its way into the soil immediately. WebFertilizer. It increases magnesium and sulfur levels in the soil for healthy plant growth. Most plant parents prefer to use natural fertilizers to treat bougainvillea because of the negative effects associated with chemical fertilizers. If repotting make sure you dig up as much as the root ball as possible before moving. Here are a few tips on how to use eggshells in the care of your Bougainvillea: Night temperatures should be, optimally, around 65F (18C). [ad_2] Only compost. So what are the natural options for fertilizing these thorny climbers? However, its especially important to use it during the plants active growing season, which is typically from spring through summer. 'Bengal Orange' has pink-orange blooms and grows just 1.5 feet tall, or 6 to 8 feet wide if grown as a ground cover. The plants have two distinctive growth cycles; a period of vegetative greengrowth and a growing season or blooming period. Bodine is passionate about gardening, travel, education and finance. Raw cow manure is highly acidic and it may contain excessive loads of nutrients than the plants actual requirement. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. For bougainvillea vines growing in the ground, use half a cup of granular fertilizer per 4 feet of the plant height and lightly scratch it into the soil surface using a trowel or a hand cultivator. This particular formula contains 15 different nutrients that are released over time, so you dont have to worry about applying it too frequently. Thats another reason that its a good idea to use a soil meter or test the soil before and after adding amendments. With a little care and attention, your potted bougainvillea will thrive and provide you with gorgeous blooms all season long! Its a fast acting liquid fertilizer that should be applied every 2 weeks during the growing season (or as needed if you see your plant starting to wilt). WebBougainvillea requires regular fertilization when they flower. Privacy Policy. Compost is considered to be the gold standard for natural fertilizer, and for a good reason. Bougainvillea vines are fast growers and have stiff stems with thorns covered in heart-shaped leaves. Moisten the soil again with water from a garden hose. Water thoroughly after applying fertilizer to help it soak in. Join the party! While they are relatively easy to care for, there are some things you can do to encourage growth. Make sure that you are feeding your plants with phosphorus-rich sources such as livestock manure. Bougainvilleas are pretty drought tolerant and dont ask for frequent waterings. A good idea is to plant your bougainvillea in pots; this enables you to move them to full sun areas during the changing seasons. With a few common household ingredients, you can make homemade fertilizer for bougainvillea. Scratch a granular fertilizer into the soil and water well. I hope this helps. Adding about a tablespoon of Epsom salt at the time of fertilization may also be beneficial. Bougainvillea is relatively disease- and pest-free, but sometimes it's vulnerable to the following: AphidsLeaf MinerBacterial and Fungal Leaf SpotScale InsectsThripsSpider MitesSlugs and SnailsCaterpillar. Repeat. First, this tropical plant is native to South America and thus used to warm weather and lots of sun. To read more about what you need to start your own composting system, check out this article: A Whole Heap of Fun: A List of Everything You Need to Create Compost for Your Flower Garden. Organic Bougainvillea Fertilizer: This organic fertilizer from Down to Earth is made with kelp meal, bone meal, and other natural ingredients that will provide your plant with a slow release of nutrients. Discontinue fertilizer once blooming begins. To ensure abundant flowering plants and good overall health of plants, use a balanced, slow-releasefertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) in equal ratios, such as 5-5-5 or 10-10-10, and dont forget this when repotting. Maybe next Spring I will fertilize it. It needs to be trimmed back but it is flowering. EarthPods Premium Hibiscus and Tropical plant food is an excellent fertilizer EarthPods Premium Hibiscus & Tropical Flower Plant Food. The incorporation of cow manure into the soil enhances soil fertility, soil structure, and water drainage. Typically, bougainvillea actively grows in hot climates; spring and summer. How Do You Increase Bougainvillea Growth? Whenever there are enough calcium deposits in the soil, roots can grow faster and stronger. It is a valuable source of organic material and elements that are crucial for plant growth such as nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. Here are a few tips on how to increase bougainvillea growth: How Do I Promote My Bougainvillea Flowering? As a potted plant, flowers will last for up to eight weeks if kept in a sunny location. Do you think Ill ever get back my pink blooms (leaves)? It also contains nitrogen which helps green up leaves. Cow manure and chicken manure are both nutrient-rich materials packed with nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium, just to name a few. Here's what you need to know about growing bougainvillea. Nitrogen and phosphate are critical Use a high-bloom fertilizer. Thank you for your help !! Bougainvillea is not affected by pests that much. Well, Epsom salt, or in other words magnesium sulfate works with bougainvillea. Especially if its the purple bougainvillea. Bougainvillea is a vibrant, blooming vine that climbs on trellises at seaside resorts and desert retreats from San Diego to Miami. To increase blooms, make sure your bougainvillea has good drainage. Egg shells, grass clippings, coffee They gradually replenish nutrient reservoirs in the soil over a period of time. Bougainvillea is native to Central and South America and commonly cultivated in South Florida, Arizona, South Texas and Southern California. leaf are dark green but are falling off and the tall stims are brown on my Bougainvillea its in a large pot can u help me? Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, taking care not to get any on the leaves or stems. Magnesium deficiency can cause leaf yellowing and reduced blooms. During this process, the nutrients will be extracted into the water. Jacks Classic No.1.5 Fertilizer 20-20-20. This is the case when using generalized fertilizers like a 20-20-20 or 12-12-12. Ive read that they do not need fertilizer. Climbs to 40 feet. 1. Pots may, therefore, be the location of choice for bougainvillea as you can control the drainage more so than what you can do with your garden borders. Subscribe. Watering less will solicit some drought stress and will stimulate the bougainvillea to display more flowers. probably overwatering let them dry out until a wlt, but dont kill the plant. window._fbq = window._fbq || []; Pale green leaves indicate nitrogen deficiency. Purple edges on leaves, with brown tips, indicate a potassium deficiency. This perennial will give you flowers and attract swarms of hummingbirds all summer, but youll need to watch that it doesnt take over your yard. It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. The soil should just feel as though it is drying out before watering again. Finding the best spot for your bougainvillea can therefore be a little challenging for those who live in northerly latitudes. Once flowers start to form , switch to a high phosphorus fertilizer such as 5-30-5 . })(); Plant Care advises against applying fertilizer to bougainvillea vines when the soil is dry. Apply according package directions for best results . Give your home a touch of the tropics with the exotic blooms of anthurium. To grow bougainvillea, plant it in full sun, slightly acidic and well-drained soil, and a relatively hot and dry climate. Continue caring for your bougainvillea plant by watering sparingly, fertilizing every few months, pruning at the end of the season, and training it the climb a nearby wall or trellis. If youre inspired by eco-friendly gardening and want to save your wallet at the same time, then this article is for you. Due to the rich profile of organic matter, the use of cow manure for your soil will enhance bacterial diversity in the soil which can get more benefits. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. My Bougainvillea bloomed all summer, now only has 3 blooms, no buds. Here in this video, I have revealed how I fertilize my Bougainvillea If your Bougainvillea are in pots, then using some half strength all purpose fertilizer would be pertinent to ensure they have the correct nutrients for flowering and not too much nitrogen (the chemical responsible for that lush green foliage). Although, somewhere like Texas where its mostly hot and dry they grow beautifully. They thrive in hardiness zones 9 to 11. The amount of 14-14-14 fertilizer youll need will depend on the size of your bougainvillea and the condition of the soil. The large colorful petals are not actually flowers but bracts which is a specialized leaf that has the function of attracting pollinators. Pruning should not be too heavy as this can divert too much energy to growth new shoots and vines but rather light pruning is best for stimulating flowering and can help you keep the bougainvillea in a desired shape on your trellis or support structure. Bougainvillea is very susceptible to nutrient deficiencies which is why its so important to feed the plant regularly. Just be sure not to overdo it too much fertilizer can actually burn the roots of your bougainvillea (and other plants). Too much shade prevents bougainvillea from blooming. They can also be grown indoors. In winters, when you bring the pot indoors, place it at a spot where it can receive an ample amount of light. In colder climates it is important to grow your bougainvillea are in pots and bring them indoors in the Winter as they cannot tolerate severe frost. _fbq.push(['addPixelId', '1390039697957426']); Commonly known as elephant's ear, this family of big-leafed tropical plants can be grown outdoors as a dramatic specimen plant or indoors as a houseplant. Manure is also a good option for your Bougainvillea. They do not tolerate boggy, over-watered soil as the roots can rot. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool , Red Orange Bougainvillea image by verdantspaces from, Texas A&M System AgriLife Extension: Aggie Horticulture: Growing Bougainvilleas, University of Washington Botanic Gardens: Elisabeth C. Miller Library: Gardening Answers Knowledgebase, The Florida Times-Union Jacksonville: Garden Q&A: Take Precautions when Transplanting Bougainvillea. Compost with egg shells, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and other kitchen scraps will give your Bougainvillea the nutrient boost it needs while helping to keep the pH level in the optimal range for this blooming vine. If your plant is young and goes wilting, it indicates calcium deficiency. The bougainvillea also has thorns on its stems, which can make it As you can imagine, they get this in abundance in their native Brazil so it is really important to recreate these conditions as best you can in your garden, wherever you are. Heres what you need to know about using 14-14-14 fertilizer on your bougainvillea. However, bougainvillea are relatively hardy and have good adaptable qualities and can manage cooler (but not cold!) Plus, Bougainvilleas are hungry plants, so feeding them often with natural alternatives to commercial fertilizer can keep them happy and healthy all year long. If the acidity level of your garden soil is not compatible with the recommended acidity level for bougainvillea, do not worry, a pinch of coffee ground will do that job. Bougainvilleas need to be fertilized once per month, unlike many other plants that only require fertilization twice per year. BEST Fertilizer & 3 TRICKS to Increase Flowering on Bougainvillea. The Missouri Botanical Garden recommends fertilizing bougainvilleas every two weeks when they are growing. 'Barbara Karst' is a popular selection and a vigorous grower with large clusters of magenta blooms all summer and fall. There are plenty of natural choices to help feed your Bougainville and add more nutrients to the soil. Watch this helpful YouTube video for how to prune your bougainvillea to increase the concentration of flowers: (For all more tips and all the best practices of bougainvillea care, read my article, how to care for bougainvillea in pots). Therefore, you dont have to feed bougainvillea frequently if you use compost for them. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Bougainvillea Bloom Booster: This bloom booster from Miracle-Gro is formulated with phosphorus and potassium to help promote flowering. As the peel breaks down, the nutrients will seep into the ground and be absorbed into the plants root system. The answer is yes but not necessarily right away., Beneficial nematodes are microscopic creatures that can be used to help fight pests and diseases,. 1. First, it is important to use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. You can back off to once a month in fall and winter. Since the bracts are immensely showy and encircle the tiny, white-colored real flowers, almost hiding them, they are often mistaken for flowers. Osmocote Plus Outdoor & Indoor Plant Food: Osmocote is a well-known brand in the gardening world, and their fertilizer is great for bougainvilleas. Im having a hard time in getting Bougainvillica food I have try Lowes, Homedpot and Wal-Mart they are out and dont know when they will get it ! Natural fertilizers release nutrients slowly at a sustainable rate so bougainvillea can absorb them as needed for a sufficient period of time. Also, avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause fungal diseases . The paper-like structures are a modified leaf called a bract that hides bougainvillea's true flowers: small, trumpet-shaped blooms of white and yellow. Bougainvilleas need well-drained soil in order to thrive. Bougainvillea originates in the hot and dry conditions in Brazil, where it flowers more in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight or more. Bougainvillea flowers on new growth so pruning in Spring helps to stimulate new growth on which the bougainvillea displays its flowers. Thus, it is advisable to wash the eggshells with warm water and then dry them before using to prevent the growth of disease vectors. As a fertilizer, coffee grounds play several important functions upon having a healthy bougainvillea plant. Using fertilizers too frequently can inhibit blossoming. There are a few things to keep in mind when fertilizing bougainvillea in pots. Prune any suckers grown at the base of the plant or by pinching them off to encourage more growth at the top. | 9 Useful Facts |, Does Watermelon Make You Poop? Give your garden the royal treatment by growing clematis, the queen of climbers. Unlike leftover coffee grounds, fresh coffee grounds can lower the pH of the soil drastically. She has produced thousands of articles for online publications such as Demand Studios, GoBankingRates and WiseGeek. Thats where I get mine. Potassium is recognized as a macronutrient since plants need it in large amounts during their life cycle. var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; 14.1K subscribers. Still, you should also keep in mind that Bougainvillea is an acid-loving plant, so your compost should be acid-rich for the best results. -Fertilize monthly during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. It stays under 3 feet and blooms in pink. fbds.async = true; Eggshells are a great soil additive for your Bougainvillea because they contain calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and calcium. If you aren't lucky enough to live in a place where it never freezes but you still want to grow bougainvillea, there's good news: Bougainvillea does great in containers. An acidic and nutrient-rich environment will produce the best results for your Bougainvillea. 'Afterglow' is a heavy bloomer with yellow-orange blossoms. Bougainvillea prefer at least 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness to flower. Epsom salt can help plants produce more chlorophyll and absorb more healthy nutrients. The plants are native to South America and are available in more than 300 varieties and a wide range of colors, such as: But, theres an interesting and a lesser-known fact about bougainvilleaplants what are often considered flowers are modified leaves called bracts. How to Keep Hibiscus Blooming | 10 Hibiscus Flowering Tips, How to Grow Many Ginger Plants from One Ginger | Ginger Propagation, 10 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew, 20 Super Cool Mandevilla Trellis Ideas | Trellis for Mandevilla Plant, 10 Best Homemade DIY Fungicide Recipes for Plants, What is a Juliet Balcony+Things to Do in It. So, when you use Epsom salt, you should apply it to the soil in combination with other nutrient-rich additives and compost for the best results. Next time reconsider before you discard leftover coffee grounds from your cup of coffee. In fact, banana peels are the richest source of potassium; one of three major elements required for plant growth and development. The shorter, shrubbier types can be trimmed into hedges or topiary. Try your local nurseries who sell bougainvilla. How do you increase bougainvillea flowering? But wait, there is a catch! This will encourage strong root growth and bountiful blooms. } Here we will provide you only interesting content, Does Watermelon Make You Poop? Do not use a generalized fertilizer for bougainvillea species. I bought a Bougie the Spring before last. It is recommended to fertilize bougainvillea with organic fertilizers every two to three months, particularly during the growing season of the plant. This will ensure your bougainvillea has enough sunlight to stimulate a good display of flowers. In winter, when they go dormant, watering them once a week is enough. However, if you do want to use eggshells to fertilize your Bougainvillea, be sure to rinse them thoroughly first. Place your bougainvillea in a sheltered location so that cold winds to not stress the plant. To avoid root rot, do not plant them in soil with high levels of peat moss. Add beautiful color and dimension to your garden with flowering vines for all seasons. Plus, it can improve conditions caused by a deficiency of magnesium sulfate. Bougainvillea requires regular fertilization when they flower. Get care tips including how often to water snake plant and how to repot snake plant. Warmer temperatures mean increased bougainvillea blooms. It has been introduced to many other countries and has become a popular ornamental plant. You can eradicate those pests manually by hands or spraying neem oil solution on the plant to get rid of them. Bougainvillea is a tropical vining shrub that comes in a wide array of bright and fanciful colors. The "flowers" are actually modified leaves, called bracts, that are long-lasting and bright. The colorful bracts outshine the plant's true (but tiny) flower, much like a poinsettia. Furthermore, compost is a strong source of nitrogen, which is an important nutrient for bougainvillea, especially during its vegetative growth phase. if (!_fbq.loaded) { 'Moneth' or Purple Queen has deep purple blooms and can grow 15 feet tall if supported, 1-1/2 feet tall when grown as a groundcover. So, the plant may be burnt if you use raw cow manure directly for your plants. Yea should not be problem.. the longer stems should be pruned away and as long as you do take out the trunk you good. You can apply 14-14-14 fertilizer to your bougainvillea at any time of year. This article will give you all the 8 Secret Bougainvillea Care Tips | How to Care for Bougainvillea Plant, Check out our article on bougainvillea uses in the garden, Growing Ash Gourd Guide | How to Grow Ash Gourd, Growing Zinnias in Pots | Zinnia Plant Care. Coffee grounds help provide nitrogen, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium to the soil, just to name a few. If you can, bring your potted bougainvillea inside, if they are continuously exposed to cooler temperatures. For sure, you can easily find valuable ingredients to prepare a nutrient-rich Homemade fertilizer for bougainvillea from your kitchen trash bin! A good rule of thumb is to apply organic fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). 2. So, how do you enrich the soil with phosphorus? 'Singapore White' or Miss Alice has white blooms and grows 2 to 3 feet tall. If the plant is not receiving enough phosphorus from its soil, the plant will struggle to bloom for sure. When winter's chill arrives, bring your potted bougainvillea indoors and put it by a sunny window until warmth returns. Alicia Bodine has been a professional writer for 13 years. Select a new location for the bougainvillea where it will receive a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Bougainvillea is a flowering plant that is native to Brazil. Its also environmentally friendly and will help improve the quality of your soil over time. When to Use It To use blackstrap molasses as a fertilizer, mix it with another all-purpose fertilizer. Plant bougainvillea in a location with lots of Epsom salt can benefit Bougainvillea because it helps the plant absorb more nutrients from the soil. Other fertilizers are general-purpose and can be used on any type of plant. This is the bougainvilleas fascinating survival response, as blooms are the plants way of reproduction. Egg shells, grass clippings, coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable waste, and Epsom salt are all items that can benefit your Bougainvillea when composted and added to the soil. Texas A&M University recommends that you do this at half the strength listed on the fertilizer label. If the soil needs more acid, you can combine one cup of plain white vinegar (not apple cider vinegar) with a gallon of water. Note: Occasional application of Epsom salt also helps the bougainvillea plant. var fbds = document.createElement('script'); Composting fruit and vegetable scraps is the number one organic fertilizer and an optimal way to return nutrients to your garden. Simply, bury a few teaspoons of crushed or powdered eggshells in a hole closer to the roots of your bougainvillea plants. Ensure your soil has good drainage by adding horticultural grit this will help to replicate the well draining soil conditions the bougainvillea has in their native Brazil. They are likely thriving in that position because they have well drained soil rather than fertile soil (see point 6 on drainage). Furthermore, you can then move these pots indoors during the winter if you live in a non-Mediterranean environment. Bougainvillea loves warmer climates to grow. Use a half-strength, liquid plant fertilizer, and water-soluble fertilizer for plants growing in containers. Next time, dont throw away debris; you can use it to help your bougainvillea grow stronger and produce more blooms.Credit to : Rock Gardening, Read Next : 06 Best Homemade Fertilizer For Ferns. In general, natural fertilizers can be considered slow-releasing fertilizers. Twisted leaves indicate a zinc deficiency. Amending the soil to have a ratio of about to compost to to native soil is a great way to provide a nutrient-rich mixture for your Bougainvillea. I personally water my potted bougainvillea once a week and I am rewarded with this display of blooms. Climbs to 30 feet. When it comes to Bougainvillea care, one question that is often asked is Are eggshells good for Bougainvillea? The answer is yes! Sharp edges and lingering smell of crushed eggshells keep pests like snails and slugs away from your plants. For the best results, expose bougainvillea to the direct sun at least for 6 hours per day. Are you curious to know What is a Juliet Balcony? Nothing adds drama like a briliantly colored bougainvillea vine climbing up a wall or over an arbor. Note: Keep bougainvillea on a slightly drier side for abundant blooms. Make sure that your bougainvillea plants are sitting in full sunlight. Fully processed compost is the best material, but you can also use coffee grounds, grass clippings, eggshells, fruit scraps, and other organic materials to amend the soil. Cuttings should be around 8 cm long. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer on young plants until they have grown well and become established. Once they are well-established and have significant vegetative growth, switch to a high-potassium fertilizer to encourage blooming. They are drought tolerant and can bloom all year round with the right care. _fbq.loaded = true; Plant or place Bougainvillea in full sun. These plants love the sun and need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day in order to bloom properly. Tips PR as the name implies intent to provide tips on Home improvements, Gardening and , various Hobbies. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The right vine makes any garden special. These hungry vines need plenty of minerals and nutrients to stay healthy, keep growing, and produce the abundance of blooms youre hoping for. Luckily, you can create your own all-natural, nutrient-rich goodness right in your backyard! Just be aware of what type of wisteria plant you are growing and how to best manage these gorgeous deciduous vines. Avoid chilling your plant temperature below 30 degrees as it can possibly stunt plant growth and produce fewer flowers. If you live in regions with freezing winters, the plant should not have wet feet, as it will cause root rot within no time. It is always a good idea to water deeply when the topsoil goes dry, rather than shallow watering them frequently. 'Rosenka' has golden pink blooms and gets 1 to 2 feet tall and3 to 4 feet wide. If the nights are too cold, the plant can become stressed. Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bucket and then water your bougainvillea with it every 2-3 weeks. Crushing up egg shells and working them into the soil will allow them to break down and release nutrients and minerals into the ground for your plant. To increase the amount of bougainvillea flowers ensure bougainvillea has 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night. Bougainvillea are heavy feeders, so youll need to fertilize them regularly to keep them looking their best. Actually, it has a very little load of phosphorus. Nutrient deficiencies can cause leaf discoloration, leaf loss, wilting, and overall loss of vigor. Find Out! Feed your bougainvillea with a fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphate, once a month, during the bloomer period i.e., from early spring to mid-summer. Plant the water thoroughly after fertilizing, if potted make sure there are good drainage holes. Rooting for Blooms is reader-supported. If you dont have the time or desire to make your own compost, youre not completely out of luck. If your Bougainvillea are well established and planted out in borders, they should require little to no fertilizer. You can also ferment banana peels in water for a couple of weeks to make a liquid fertilizer known as compost tea. Coffee grounds are commonly used in composting and around the garden, so you may be wondering if coffee grounds are good for your Bougainvillea plants too. What kind of pest killer can I used?The leaves look been eating and show pieces ow wed.Also no too much flowers.Tks. You can use them to make the soil fertile to have a gorgeous bougainvillea bush. Pro Tip: Bougainvillea prefers infrequent deep waterings to regular shallow waterings. If you need a tough, tropical with oceans of color that can stand up to heat and drought, bougainvillea's your plant. This peculiar feature is a result of adaptations in tropical environments where, in the dry season, the days are shorter than the nights which signals to the bougainvillea it is the right time of year to flower. Low-growing, shrubby varieties only get a few feet tall and can be grown in containers. Make it 1 to 1 1/2 feet larger in diameter than the stems of the bougainvillea shrub. Dump water on the plant until it runs out the holes in the bottom of the pot. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. WebAt planting, provide a fertilizer that is high in phosphate, and follow with a balanced liquid fertilizer at 150-300 ppm. To increase the amount bougainvillea flowers, prune the vine in the early Spring. A fully bloomed bougainvillea bush will add a luxurious beauty to your home garden. Make sure the pot of bougainvillea is in full sun. Dissolve one tablespoon of fertilizer in a gallon of water and water the soil mix. When creating a potting mix for bougainvillea use the same formula as potting for Mediterranean herbs with one third horticultural grit and 2 thirds peat free compost to ensure the optimal balance of soil moisture for the bougainvillea to display flowers.