 |
The Gardener's Almanac |  |
||||
| Index | FAQ's | Links | Photos | Guest book | ||
| Bougainvillea |
|
|
|
This shrubby climbing greenhouse or conservatory plant is generally grown for its coloured bracts rather than its insignificant flowers.
Basically there are three species; buttiana, glabra and spectabilis the latter two being the most common in the UK.
Both glabra & spectabilis will grow to around 2.5 metres high in a pot or 6 metres and 10 metres respectively in a greenhouse border.
Obviously the plants will grow better in a greenhouse border where there is less root restriction; however they will grow quite well in 200-250mm (8"-10") pots of potting compost that is the equivalent of JI No 3
Week 8; Plant out in pots/greenhouse border.
Train pot grown specimens up canes and the greenhouse specimens along horizontal wires just below roof level.
Prune the plants by cutting back the main growths by about a third of their length. Cut out any diseased or weak growth at the same time.
Week 10; Start plants into growth by slightly increasing the watering and temperature.
Week 22; Commence weekly feeding programme using a high potash liquid fertiliser.
Keep plants well watered at all times, in particular pot grown plants.
Week 26; Take softwood cuttings and root them at a temperature of 21°- 24°C (70°- 75°F)
The cuttings may take up to a month to root.
Week 38; After flowering ease off the watering and let the plants go virtually dry, that is, only slightly moist until spring.
Keep the plants at a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F)
About this Site © The Gardener's Almanac 2005 Top of page