paper flower

Plant in large pots of loam-based compost, or directly into the conservatory border. Bougainvilleas need a bright position but protect them from direct summer sun. Containerised plants can be moved outside for summer. Increase watering from spring as the plants start back into active growth and apply a balanced liquid feed until the bracts show colour, then switch to a high potassium feed. Decrease watering and cease feeding in autumn. Maintain a minimum night temperature of 10°C. See bougainvillea cultivation for further information

See pruning group 12

Propagate by layering in early spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in winter

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids and glasshouse whitefly

Generally disease-free