Traveling around southern Europe, we will definitely pay attention to the characteristic vine with an intense pink color. This bougainvillea turned out to be Bougainvillea spectabilis.Its 3-4-meter-long stems climb up the supports with the help of thorns, creating wonderful garlands.The most decorative are the flowers surrounding inconspicuous cream-white flowers.
In varieties they have various colors: white, yellow, salmon, yellow-orange, coppery-orange, pink in various shades, scarlet red. In addition to this species and its varieties, Bougainvillea glabra smooth bougainvillea and numerous hybrid varieties are very popular. Bougainvillea are also grown in Poland, most of the year, and even throughout the year, only indoors.
The best places to grow them are an orangery, a winter garden or a room with a south or east window.For the best flowering effect, let the bougainvillea from November to February rest in a cool (10 ° C) place, e.g. in a bright cellar or on a slightly heated veranda.During this period, the plants are watered very much skimpy.
At the end of February, shorten the stems by 1/3 or 1/4, so that the bougainvillea will branch well, then place the plants in a warm, well-lit place and start watering them abundantly. If necessary, they can be transplanted into slightly larger pots.
Southern climate in a Mediterranean garden
Bougainvillea bloom more profusely in a cramped container with fertile, light and humus soil. Sprinkle the leaves until the flowers appear, and then maintain high air humidity by spraying water around the plants.At the end of May, they can be hardened and moved to a sunny balcony, terrace or a place in the garden sheltered from the wind.
Water the bougainvillea abundantly throughout the summer (not allowing any water on the stand).A short period of drought may be useful for those specimens that do not want to bloom.Fertilize from April to August every 10 days with a weak fertilizer solution for flowering plants. With the onset of cool autumn days, bougainvillea is moved home.