Light. Needs full sun. The more direct sun it gets, the more it blooms; without direct sun it will not flower.
Water. Water while it establishes, then keep it on the dry side. Overwatering cuts flowering and can cause leaf drop.
Soil and feeding. It prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. In alkaline soil leaves may yellow; a foliar spray such as Palm Nutritional Spray helps; keep it off concrete. Go easy on fertilizer, since too much nitrogen gives leaves instead of blooms.
Size. Trained on a trellis or fence, it climbs 8 ft or more.
Pruning. Prune in late winter or early spring after flowering, or at the start of the rainy season. Pruning in late summer or fall reduces winter blooms. Wear heavy gloves, since many cultivars have sharp thorns.
Problems to watch. The bougainvillea leaftier, a caterpillar, hides in rolled new leaves. Hand-pick it or spray Spinosad Soap following the label.
Good to know. Protect it from frost and freezes.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Bougainvillea · UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County: Brilliant bracts boost bougainvillea bias
