Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea – Best Plants In New Zealand!

Adding colourful climbers such as Bougainvillea to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the right variety of Bougainvillea spectabilis for your space in our large range of plants. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Bougainvillea, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Bougainvillea Questions

1. When should I buy bougainvillea?

The best time to buy bougainvillea is during the spring or early summer. This is when the plants are actively growing and blooming, so you can be sure that you are getting a healthy plant that may even be flowering.

2. What is the best month to plant Bougainvillea?

The best month to plant bougainvillea is in the spring, after the last frost has passed. This will give the plant a chance to establish itself before the hot weather arrives. Bougainvillea plants can also be planted in the summer, but it is important to water them regularly until they become established.

Here are some tips for planting Bougainvillea:

• Choose a well-drained location in full sun or partial shade.
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant.
• Mix compost or other organic matter with the soil.
• Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, firming it down gently to remove any air pockets.
• Water the plant well after planting.
• Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Bougainvillea plants are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require regular watering and fertilising. Water the plants once a week and more often if the weather is hot and dry. Feed the plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser. The best fertiliser is https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser

3. Can you grow bougainvillea in NZ?

Yes, you can grow bougainvillea in New Zealand. Bougainvillea plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions, but they can be grown in temperate climates and they adapt quickly. During winter they can become deciduous or semi-deciduous.

4. Do bougainvillea grow well in pots?

Bougainvillea grow well in pots and many people prefer to grow them this way so they can control the size and shape of the plant and move it around to different locations.

5. Do bougainvillea grow better in pots or ground?

Bougainvillea can grow well in both pots and the ground. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages to growing bougainvillea in each environment.

Pots:

• Advantages:
  • Easier to control the size and shape of the plant.
  • Can be moved to different locations.
  • Less likely to be affected by pests and diseases.
• Disadvantages:
  • Requires more frequent watering and fertilising.
  • More susceptible to root rot.

Ground:

• Advantages:
  • Can reach its full potential size.
  • Easier to care for in the long term.
• Disadvantages:
  • More difficult to control the size and shape of the plant.
  • More susceptible to frost damage.

6. What is the lifespan of a bougainvillea plant?

The lifespan of a bougainvillea plant varies depending on the type of bougainvillea, the climate in which it is grown, and the care it receives. However, bougainvillea plants are generally considered to be long-lived plants, with some specimens living for over 50 years.

7. Will bougainvillea grow back if cut down?

Bougainvillea will generally grow back if cut down. In fact, it is often recommended to prune bougainvillea plants regularly to encourage new growth and promote better flowering. They are resilient plants and can withstand severe pruning.

If you cut down a bougainvillea plant, it is important to water it regularly and fertilize it once a month during the growing season. With proper care, the plant should start to produce new growth within a few weeks.

Here are some tips for pruning bougainvillea:

• Prune plants in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
• Cut back old, overgrown branches to encourage new growth.
• Remove any dead or diseased branches.
• Shape the plant to your desired size and shape.

8. Where are Bougainvillea native to?

Bougainvillea is native to eastern South America, found from Brazil, west to Peru, and south to southern Argentina. It is a member of the four-o'clock family (Nyctaginaceae), and there are about 18 species of bougainvillea. They are typically thorny shrubs or vines that can grow up to 30 feet (10 m) long. Bougainvillea is known for its colorful bracts, which are actually modified leaves. The bracts can be red, pink, orange, purple, or white. Bougainvillea is a popular ornamental plant and is grown in many parts of the world. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate heat, drought, and salt.

9. Are bougainvillea easy to grow?

Whether bougainvillea are generally easy to grow:

• They're not the most demanding plants, but they require specific needs for optimal growth and bloom.
• Fast-growing and forgiving: They adapt well and recover quickly from minor mistakes.
• Drought-tolerant and disease-resistant: They require less water than many other plants and are rarely bothered by pests and diseases.

However, they do have some challenges:

• They need full sun and warm temperatures: They thrive in hot, sunny climates and struggle in cold or shade.
• Some varieties have sharp thorns, so be careful when handling them.
• They dislike soggy soil but also need consistent moisture. Finding the balance can be tricky for beginners.
• Regular pruning is necessary for abundant flowering, which may take some practice.

10. Are bougainvillea’s poisonous to dogs?

Bougainvillea’s are considered mildly toxic to dogs. While not deadly in most cases, ingesting certain parts of the plant can cause some unpleasant symptoms. Here's a breakdown:

Toxic parts:

• Leaves and stems: These contain the highest concentration of glycosides and saponins, which can irritate the digestive system.
• Thorns: Although not directly toxic, punctures from thorns can lead to infections or allergic reactions.

Symptoms of poisoning:

• Mild: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth.
• More severe (less common): Depression, lethargy, tremors, difficulty breathing.

What to do if your dog ingests bougainvillea:

• Act quickly: If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of the plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
• Do not induce vomiting: This can irritate the digestive system further.
• Monitor your dog: Look for symptoms of poisoning and keep them comfortable.
• Bring any plant material with you to the vet: This will help them identify the toxin and determine the best course of treatment.