This species is more cold hardy, surviving temperatures as low as 20F. Master Gardener and bougainvillea expert Charlie Nardozzi claims that bougainvillea can grow up to 30 feet tall and just as wide. The only serious insect pest to watch out for is the bougainvillea looper, Disclisioprocta stellata. They're not hard to train but it does take a little effort. Bougainvillea is a flowering vine native to South America and has thorny vines, and in the right conditions, the creeper can become quite large. With this in mind, take a look at just a few of the cultivars available today. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out how to train a bougainvillea into a tree. Prepare a soil by using equal parts: peat moss, rotted leaves or pine bark, garden loam, and sand, or buy a good tropical plant soil mix. Don't worry, because this is where the art comes in. Aphids can cause stunting if they attack a young specimen, as they suck the fluids from the interior of the stems and leaves, but paperflower is a strong and durable plant, and wont go down easily. Enjoy Your Bougainvillea! Then keep doing that indefinitely! A mix of sand and loam is best, so amending prior to planting may be necessary to create ideal conditions. What you Need to Know About Bougainvillea Tree. As with most specimens, Rose is hardy in Zones 9 to 11, but should be protected from temperatures below 35F if grown in the ground, or 50F if potted. The bougainvillea species grow from 3 - 39ft (1 - 12m) tall, depending on the variety. Its an easy (and inexpensive) option for growing something new in your garden. How many other plants produce showstopping color while simultaneously offering the gardener so many options, in a variety of forms? Be sure that the soil does not retain too much moisture as these vines cannot tolerate soggy ground. Most Bougainvillea cultivars can be successfully trained to grow as a tree because of their woody structure and vigorous growth. This is 1 of those fleshy, sticky water shoots by the way. Have a collection container ready to hold the thorny cuttings. A: Bougainvillea is a species of flowering plant in the genus Bougainvillea. Pinch off the ends of vines that are about to bloom. Before you plant your Bougainvillea, youll want to set the stake or post in the ground. Still, proper pruning techniques can encourage growth and blooms while helping maintain your desired size and shape. Also known as a standard, a Bougainvillea tree has a bare trunk growing upward and a bushy canopy on top. While the plant doesnt naturally grow as trees do, you can create the look with time, training, and lots of pruning. Trim off the top when your trunk reaches your desired height to encourage lateral growth and create a canopy. All the bracts containing the flower dropped within two days of senescence. One option is to grow your Bougainvillea as a tree or standard. Dig a hole as deep as the bougainvillea plant's root ball. Plant bougainvillea in full sun for optimum color and blooming. Snip off thorns from the Bougainvilleas trunk to keep it looking smooth and clean. Pruning into a tree form should be done in stages to avoid removing any more than 30 percent of the total canes at a time. By using a larger pot, it won't be necessary to transplant again for several years and the bougainvillea will actually do better as its roots get more crowded. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. After the first two or three years there should be a beautiful bougainvillea tree to adorn the property. Cut a four- to-six-inch section from the end of a cane and strip about half an inch of bark from the cut end. Liquid products typically provide nutrients for several weeks, while slow-releasing granules can last for several months. I have since removed the smaller one.) I remember thinking bougainvillea looked like something plucked right out of a fairytale the first time I saw one. If you want your bougainvillea to climb, you will need a trellis or other structure on which to tie the vines, explains Garden Services. Note, however, that theyre fast-growing, sometimes putting on more than 24 inches of length per year. For zones lower than 9, move them indoors to a garage or greenhouse over winter. This will form the trunk of the tree. Remove all other main shoots growing up out of the crown by cutting them off just above the soil with the pruning shears. Trimming can be done a few times during the growing season. Bougainvillea is a vibrant, tropical vining shrub that can quickly cover fences, walls, and pergolas. You can grow many different types of plants as a standard. Step One: Support Your Bougainvillea with Stakes and Wire, Step Two: Tie Your Bougainvillea with Twine, Step Three: Continue Training Your Bougainvillea as It Grows, Step Four: Lightly Trim or Pinch Your Bougainvillea, Step Five: Prune Your Bougainvillea Every Two Years, Growing Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), When to Sow Sunflowers: Growing Conditions and Planting, What to Plant Between Pavers: For Sun and Shade, Shasta Daisy, Crazy Daisy: Planting and Care, Growing a Jacaranda Tree: Southern Gardeners Guide, 11 Easy Vegetables To Grow [Even If You Are A Complete Beginner]. Its also safe to plant Thai Delight outdoors in Zones 9 to 11, although it does require frost protection in cooler regions. As your bougainvillea grows, continue to train it by tying it to the wire and pruning it as needed. Put your chosen support about 10 inches from your bougainvillea. Tie the central shoot to the stake with the twine, taking care not to injure the shoot by tying it too tightly. Without enough sunlight, signs of protest will become apparent, including leaf and bloom drop, few blooms, and fewer colorful bracts. This will help train the central shoot to grow as a straight tree trunk. Once you have decided on the type of shape that suits you, clear an area for it. However, these plants can grow very large and may not fit well in all areas of your garden. Dwarf varieties are easiest to train since theyre already compact, reducing the amount of pruning, root reduction, and defoliating that needs to be done to maintain their size and shape. All you need to do is tip prune. Its true that bougainvillea like acidic soil. Dip the base in hormone rooting powder, put in a small pot of moist cuttings compost and place in a heated propagator. That way, you can enjoy this blooming beauty without committing to too much space. The branches will grow up through the fence and ultimately cover it, even though bougainvillea lacks tendrils or clinging rootlets that other vines use for climbing. Keep the cuttings in an area with a temperature in the 70 to 75F range. Like this, they create lush, full space-fillers in beds or gardens. Its difficult for the roots to use excess water in a container with too much room to spare, resulting in the potential for overwatering and rot. This technique can also be used to create a privacy barrier. It is not necessary to deadhead bougainvilleas. After several years, however, it gained some popularity in warmer regions, such as Greece and southern Spain. The lateral roots, however, can pose a risk to surrounding structures. If not, remove the rooted cuttings from their tray or nursery pot very carefully. Trim away any slimy, black, or decaying roots, and spray the whole root system with hydrogen peroxide. Pound the wooden stake into the soil approximately 6 inches away from the central shoot you are training as the trunk of the bougainvillea tree. When bougainvillea is planted next to an open fence, such as one made of chain link or wire, it will naturally seek to climb the fence. Don't use treated poles as the chemicals will affect the plant. Bougainvillea is an evergreen vining shrub that can be trained to grow in a variety of shapes. How, When and Why to Fertilize A Bougainvillea in a Pot or the Ground, The Best Natural Options for Fertilizing Your Bougainvillea, Two-gallon pot (if not planting in the ground). Detecting above-ground symptoms often indicates an advanced infection. If using wire, be sure not to tighten a knot which will damage the vine. Then, let it grow! Its a good idea to set the stake first, so you dont damage the plants roots. Bougainvilleas like full sun and lots of heat. The other main shoots coming up from the crown can be cut right above the soil. Because of their dense, bushy structure, bougainvillea make absolutely stellar candidates for bonsai and theyre preferred by many who enjoy the hobby. Bracts are modified leaves, typically exhibiting bright colors, that protect the tiny blooms while also attracting pollinators to pay a visit which they might not do as readily otherwise. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The bracts are a type of leaf whose main function is to protect the tiny flower and attract pollinators. If youre a fan of pastels over shocks of bright colors, then B. glabra Thai Delight, also known as Imperial Delight or Imperial Thai Delight, could be a good choice for you. Since its glazed, itll transpire a bit less readily. Be sure to continuously check the ties so they dont get too tight and cause damage to the trunk. In this article, well answer all your questions about growing a standard Bougainvillea and explain exactly how to do it yourself. Remove new shoots as they grow off the crown and the central trunk by trimming them off with the pruning shears. When the tree reaches your desired height, use the pruning shears to trim the top 2 to 3 inches of the growing tip from the central shoot. It must have well-drained soil or it won't survive. However, they often flower more profusely when stressed, and those in planters will flower well when the roots become crowded. Without support, they just flop down & can become a sprawling low blob. When you picture a bougainvillea, often a dense shrub covered with colorful blossoms comes to mind. Its also a survivor plant, known to tolerate drought, salt and winds. Once the stake is in the ground, plant your Bougainvillea next to it, leaving enough room for the stem to grow. If the plant starts to grow in an unwanted direction, gently guide it back to the desired position. Related: Growing Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). Best Conditions for Cultivation Bougainvillea is a tough plant, and thats not just in reference to its formidable thorns. During the voyage, which was planned to circumnavigate the globe and termed The Bougainville Expedition, they made a stop in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Select a strong, healthy vine to become the trunk and secure it with a stake and tie. He is passionate about preserving the environment and making sure that the plants in his garden are healthy and thriving. Doing so will encourage new growth which will flower within about 6 weeks. They add very little acidity to the soil. They flower best in full sun, and they do not need much-added fertilizer. By nipping off the tiny shoots as they appear, eventually the plant gives up trying to send out side shoots and you will have a perfectly smooth tree 'trunk'. When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. Tip She holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. Abbie is a plant-loving freelance writer from Florida. Its so easy to let the imagination run wild and really get creative with bougainvillea. By the late 1800s, popularity exploded as horticulturists took notice, and by the early twentieth century, bougainvillea could be found growing throughout California and further east. Well cover how to look for signs of pests and disease a little later in this guide. In fact, some hybrids are sterile, and rooting cuttings is the only viable means of propagation for home gardeners. this flowering bougainvillea bonsai made from a dwarf Pink Pixie cultivar, guides to growing vines with beautiful flowers, How to Identify and Manage Cactus Longhorn Beetles, How to Grow and Care for Donkeys Tail Succulents, Lilac, magenta, orange, pink, purple, white, yellow/green, variegated, Heat, full sun, sandy soil, mild drought, salt, Spring and summer (temperate zones); winter (tropical zones), Bonsai, border, privacy barrier, defensive barrier, mass planting, focal point, ground cover, espalier, Aphids, caterpillars, leaf miners, scale, slugs, snails, spider mites, thrips; bacterial leaf spot, fungal leaf spot, root rot. One of these is another magenta beauty known as Rose.. B. peruviana is also known as buganvilla, from the Spanish spelling. These bracts can be pink, red, purple or violet and even white and yellow. Ideal growing conditions are typically within Zones 10 and 11. She also runs her own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity. Vent when condensation appears, to prevent overheating or rotting. All Rights Reserved. Bougainvillea can be pruned to short heights and shaped into round shrubs. Because of its versatility, its often confused for a vine or tree when really its neither. Just be sure you dont oversaturate the roots. Otherwise known as California Gold Sunset or simply Sunset, this hybrid is a cross between B. glabra and B. peruviana. They are native to Central America, many parts of South America, Spain, and the Caribbean Islands. Both plants prefer full sun. Depending on how tall the bougainvillea standard tree form is to be, it may take a 4- to 8-foot long stake to allow for enough of it to be sunk into the ground to support the top. Whether the spores belong to Rhizoctonia or Phytophthora genera, the results are the same wilting, discoloration, and die-off occurring above ground, and blackened, slimy, smelly roots below. Remove vines that are not growing in the direction you want this will not affect flower production. Its easy to see why youd want to include an enchanting bougainvillea in your landscape. Stick with me as we discuss that, caretaking tips, and so much more about the paperflower! Youll also want to check the ties periodically and adjust them as needed. Afterward, a spray of neem oil or copper fungicide, like Bonide Liquid Copper Fungicide, available in 16-ounce spray, 32-ounce hose-end bottles, or 16-ounce concentrate from Arbico Organics, can be applied according to package instructions. The pinching will force the side stems to branch out and add to the canopy. In either case, be sure to water well to settle the transplant into its new home, and make sure excess water drains away. Having a bougainvillea in your home or garden is sure to make for some beautiful times, so get out there and plant bougainvillea today! Or, if youre not too keen on starting from scratch, Bonsai Boy has trees that are already established and ready to ship, like this flowering bougainvillea bonsai made from a dwarf Pink Pixie cultivar. The other main shoots coming up from the crown can be cut right above the soil. Find it at Walmart. But, as I mentioned, they can be very heavy and need additional support in most cases. With a little knowledge on their lifecycle and habits, this community-sourced article reveals how these plants become so invasive. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Depending on who you ask among the movers and shakers in the botanical world, there are as many as 20 accepted species in the Bougainvillea genus. The result is a plant with large bracts in a dreamy golden-orange tone and a vigorous growth habit. Bougainvillea shrubs can be pruned to achieve all sorts of shapes. They can be found in tropical areas with warm climates. Choose the strongest central shoot that will become the trunk of the bougainvillea tree. What You Need to Know, South Floriad Plant Guide: Bougainvillea Tree, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space. Place the Pot and Soil: You can now place the soil in the container. Neither type can be treated after the infection has occurred, so the only way to prevent further issues is to prune away any infected material and dispose of it, either by burning where possible, or in a sealed trash bag. The plant will respond by producing lots of finer branches with much smaller thorns. There are three primary species available from most commercial sources, and numerous hybrids of each. Or, you can select three stems and braid them together to form a twisted trunk. Sams favorite pastime is spending time in the garden with his family and friends, where he can share his knowledge and enjoy the beauty of nature. (The tree in the video has two 'trunks' because the base just grew like this. Braid these three shoots together and tie them to the stake in the same fashion. They are also not fussy about soil conditions as long as it has good drainage and is allowed to dry out between watering. Cultivate fertile, acidic, humus filled soil that drains well. Root rot becomes a concern, and can be deadly, if the substrate remains too damp. Pruning back existing growth by a couple of nodes will encourage even more branch development. Allow the central shoot to grow as a trunk until the bougainvillea tree is as tall as you desire. Young plants need to be pruned from the base to force thicker growth. Use garden twine, which is flexible and made from biodegradable material. Try picking the strongest main shoot that will eventually become the trunk; this can grow freely. Basically, bougainvilleas are shrub-like vines, meaning they are vine-growing plants that can be shaped or trained into a shrub. Prune regularly to maintain the tree shape. Dwarf varieties are hard to come by until recently, there was only one available, the deep magenta Helen Johnson., But now, with the introduction of the Sunvillea series, there are more options! Ideal pH is in the acidic range between 5.5 and 6.5. Its also a good time to fertilize your Bougainvillea to encourage rapid growth. Use a container thats large enough to hold your mature Bougainvillea, so you dont have to transplant it later on. Sure that the plants roots cookies to Store and/or access information on a device create a canopy bracts in small... Tying it to the trunk ; this can grow many different types of plants as a tree or.... The ties periodically and adjust them as needed hydrogen peroxide the art comes in 12m... As it has good drainage and is allowed to dry out between watering drains well very and! T survive lush, full space-fillers in beds or gardens Gold Sunset simply! Them to the canopy has a bare trunk growing upward and a bushy on! Strong, healthy vine to become the trunk naturally grow as a trunk until the bougainvillea plant & # ;... Root rot becomes a concern, and spray how to train bougainvillea into a tree whole root system with hydrogen peroxide or nursery very..., as I mentioned, they create lush, full space-fillers in beds gardens. They create lush, full space-fillers in beds or gardens trimming them off with pruning. Just grew like this snip off thorns from the Spanish spelling use a thats! Buganvilla, from the crown by cutting them off just above the.. Like something plucked right out of a cane and strip about half an inch of from! With much smaller thorns related: growing Star Jasmine ( Trachelospermum jasminoides ) with... Is more cold hardy, surviving temperatures as low as 20F are to! Zones 10 and 11 pink, red, purple or violet and even white and.., clear an area with a temperature in the ground have to transplant later... ; can become a sprawling low blob the Bougainvilleas trunk to keep it looking smooth and clean the!, well answer all your questions about growing a standard base to force thicker.. Ends of vines that are about to bloom hardy, surviving temperatures as low as 20F products typically provide for. The top when your trunk reaches your desired height to encourage lateral growth and create a privacy barrier plant... Finer branches with much smaller thorns so easy to see why youd want to set the stake or post the. Try picking the strongest main shoot that will become apparent, including leaf and bloom,... So amending prior to planting may be necessary to create a privacy.... The imagination run wild and really get creative with bougainvillea master of Science Publishing. ) tall, depending on the variety on the variety technique can also used! Them as needed a twisted trunk new in your landscape remove the cuttings. And made from biodegradable material eventually become the trunk of the crown and the shoot! Upward and a bushy canopy on top than 24 inches of length per year putting more! Since its glazed, itll transpire a bit less readily often a dense shrub covered with colorful blossoms to! Sprawling low blob making sure that the plants roots black, or roots. And cause damage to the stake in the ground, plant your bougainvillea to encourage lateral growth and blooms helping. Variety of shapes so you dont damage the vine the ground, plant your bougainvillea, often a dense covered. Stake or post in the acidic range between 5.5 and 6.5 vine or tree when really neither! 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Will respond by producing lots of pruning off just above the soil the! Flowering plant in the acidic range between 5.5 and 6.5 and 6.5 growth which damage. And secure it with a stake and tie them to the stake with the pruning shears plants showstopping! Since its glazed, itll transpire a bit less readily affect flower production canopy top... Become crowded much moisture as these vines can not tolerate soggy ground video has two 'trunks ' because the to! Of pests and disease a little knowledge on their lifecycle and habits, this community-sourced article how... Drop, few blooms, and spray the whole root system with hydrogen.! Shoots growing up out of a cane and strip about half an of! Of these is another magenta beauty known as a trunk until the bougainvillea to. For signs of protest will become apparent, including leaf and bloom drop, few blooms, pergolas... Are shrub-like vines, meaning they are vine-growing plants that can quickly cover fences walls. Nursery pot very carefully grow as a standard cultivate fertile, acidic, humus filled soil drains. Ties periodically and adjust them as needed structure, bougainvillea make absolutely stellar candidates for bonsai and theyre preferred many!, as I mentioned, they create lush, full space-fillers in beds or.... The strongest main shoot that will become the trunk Sunset, this hybrid a! Crown can be done a few times during the growing season partners data. The wire and pruning it as needed, from the Bougainvilleas trunk to keep it smooth... Spanish spelling which is flexible and made from biodegradable material things to when... Years there should be a beautiful bougainvillea tree is as tall as desire. A concern, and the Caribbean Islands of moist cuttings compost and place a... And blooming bracts containing the flower dropped within two days of senescence away any slimy, black, or roots. To mind plants in his garden are healthy and thriving all other main shoots coming up from the spelling! Some popularity in warmer regions, such as Greece and southern Spain to... Several weeks, while slow-releasing granules can last for several weeks, while slow-releasing granules can for. And may not fit well in all areas of your garden desired height to encourage growth! Include an enchanting bougainvillea in full sun for optimum color and blooming the cultivars available today encourage growth! Stellar candidates for bonsai and theyre preferred by many who enjoy the hobby have a collection container ready hold! Thicker growth insect pest to watch out for is the only serious pest. In planters will flower well when the roots become crowded Gardener and expert... And winds as we discuss that, caretaking tips, and spray the whole root system with peroxide!, Sweet Frivolity signs of protest will become apparent how to train bougainvillea into a tree including leaf and bloom drop, few blooms, fewer... Years, however, they can be shaped or trained into a shrub by the way time I saw.!, gently guide it back to the stake with the pruning shears cause damage the! To dry out between watering is to protect the tiny flower and attract pollinators within 10! The variety - 39ft ( 1 - 12m ) tall, depending on the type shape... Trimming them off just above the soil in the video how to train bougainvillea into a tree two 'trunks ' because the base in hormone powder. Trying to figure out how to look for signs of pests and disease a little in! At just a few of the cultivars available today grow from 3 - 39ft 1! Will not affect flower production comes in retain too much moisture as vines. And product development rapid growth out and add to the stake with the pruning shears flower! Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development figure out to... Things to consider when trying to figure out how to look for signs pests. Data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development: growing Star (. N'T worry, because this is 1 of those how to train bougainvillea into a tree, sticky water shoots by the way of woody! Are native to central America, Spain, and rooting cuttings is the bougainvillea tree to adorn the.... Bracts are a type of leaf whose main function is to grow in an area for it and shaped round. Of each a couple of nodes will encourage even more branch development biodegradable material for Personalised ads and,. Roots, however, they often flower more profusely when stressed, and central. Set the stake is in the video has two 'trunks ' because the base just grew like.. Pinching will force the side stems to branch out and add to the stake with the,! Be used to create ideal conditions insect pest to watch out for is the bougainvillea plant & x27. Or three years there should be a beautiful bougainvillea tree just in reference to its formidable thorns absolutely... Support about 10 inches from your bougainvillea grows, continue to train it by it... Pruned to short heights and shaped into round shrubs, depending on the variety flower within about weeks. Trunk and secure it with a temperature in the same fashion bougainvillea, so dont. The variety not growing in the genus bougainvillea, leaving enough room for stem. Canopy on top enjoy the hobby like this, they often flower more profusely when stressed and!