Bougainvillea, also referred to as Paper flower is a native of Brazil and belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. This tropical climber is ideal for hanging baskets and grown in containers where it can cascade its vibrant blooming vines. The flower is unremarkable compared to the brightly colored, paper-like bracts that surround the flower.
Bougainvillea do well in a tropical climate. They thrive in full sun and heat and bloom best when kept slightly stressed and on the dry side. They are heavy feeders and should be fed regularily with 1/2 strenght fertilizer to keep them blooming all season long.

WINTEROVER BOUGAINVILLEA
Bougainvillea are tropical plants hardy in zone 8-10. It will tolerate temperatures as cool as 30-40 degrees for a short time but will need protection or it can freeze and die.
To winterover your bougainvillea indoors, keep it in the coolest, brightest room in the house (east or north window) with temperatures between 50-60 degrees. If it gets too warm, it will grow but look lanky and pale because of insufficient sunlight. Water less during the winter allowing the soil to dry out between watering and don’t fertilize. You can prune the plant to make it more manageable but major pruning should be done in the spring before new growth starts. It may drop its leaves during this time but the idea is to keep the plant alive till spring.
In colder regions Bougainvillea can also be stored dormant in a basement or garage. Reduce watering, cut back the plant just enough to make it manageable and store in a cool dark room. The plant will drop all its leaves. Check the soil periodically during the winter, watering lightly just to keep it from completely drying out. Don’t fertilize during this time.
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