Bougainvillea ‘Imperial Thai Delight’

When planting a bougainvillea, be very delicate with the roots. Disturb them as little as possible during the transplanting process.

Bloomtime is generally spring to fall, peaking during summer, but can extend longer with good weather. Generally fertilizer isn't necessary to get abundant blooms; infact high fertilizers will REDUCE your bougainvillea's blooms. If your plant is potted or struggling in the ground you can apply a low all purpose fertilizer such as 5-5-5.

Bougainvillea comes in many shapes and sizes, from giant fast-growing thirty-foot vines to dense three-foot-tall bushes. Be sure to read the label description and size for more information about your specific plant's habits. Vining varieties will need a trellis or other structure to grow on and won't self-attach, although their thorns do help them catch on trees or other support.

Bougainvillea will tolerate heavy pruning. It can be trained into a hedge with some support. Over time it grows a sturdy trunk and becomes self-supporting. Prune your bougainvillea to shape it in late winter or early spring. Take care, as most varieties have aggressive hooked thorns.

Leaves tend to defoliate during cold winter weather especially if it gets a bit shady. Established plants can grow back from moderate frost damage.

It is a common misconception that bougainvillea flowers are big and bright, when in fact these paper structures are called bracts. The actual bougainvillea flower is hidden within the bract, and is simple and white.