Light. Needs full sun; without some direct sun it will not flower.
Water. Water while it establishes, then keep it on the dry side. Too much water reduces blooms 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, but it can stain concrete. Go easy on fertilizer; too much nitrogen means leaves instead of blooms.
Size. Pruned as a standard (tree form), it grows to 8 ft or more.
Pruning. Trim lightly through the year to keep the tree shape. Prune harder in late winter or early spring after it flowers, or at the start of the rainy season. Wear heavy gloves against the spines.
Problems to watch. Bougainvillea leaftier caterpillars hide in rolled new leaves. Hand-pick them 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
