Light. Needs full sun. The more direct sun it gets, the more it blooms.
Water. Water while it establishes, then keep it on the dry side for more blooms and healthy roots. Overwatering from a sprinkler 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. Too much fertilizer cuts flowering.
Size. Kept as a shrub it reaches 8 ft or more; it can also be trained on a fence or trellis.
Pruning. Trim lightly any time. Do heavier pruning 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. Some leaf drop after a bloom cycle is normal. Protect it from frost and freezes.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Bougainvillea · UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County: Brilliant bracts boost bougainvillea bias
