Learn growing bougainvillea in hanging baskets with easy tips for a vibrant display of colorful blooms on your balcony.
Growing bougainvillea in hanging baskets adds cheerful color to your garden or balcony. These hardy plants thrive in sunny spots with proper care. They create a stunning display with cascading blooms. Learn how to care for bougainvillea to enjoy beautiful flowers year-round in your hanging baskets.
Bougainvillea
Native to Central and South America and commonly grown in South Florida, South Texas, Southern California, and South Texas, bougainvillea is fast-growing, tough, and offers a show of color year-round.
Bougainvillea flowers come in red, purple, pink, orange, white, and yellow hues, in paper-like texture; the modified leaf known as a bract covers the true flowers, which are small, trumpet-shaped blossoms in yellow and white shades.
USDA Zone: perennial in 9-11 and grown as an annual in cool areas
Bougainvillea Variety for Hanging Baskets
Choose dwarf bougainvillea varieties for hanging baskets. These cultivars grow up to 3-5 feet tall and wide and are marketed as mini bougainvilleas. They are hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.
- Bougainvillea glabra
- B. ‘Helen Johnson’
- B. ‘Pink Pixie’
- B. ‘Sunvillea Cream’
- B. ‘Sunvillea Rose’
- B. ‘Bambino’
- B. ‘Miss Alice’ is a semi-dwarf variety
Propagation
Propagating Bougainvillea from Cuttings
The easiest way for growing bougainvillea is through cuttings, you can do this at any time of the year. Take 4-5 inches long softwood cuttings with 4-6 nodes. Remove the leaves and insert the cutting in an upright manner in a mix of one-part perlite and one-part peat. Keep the container warm, water thoroughly but not excessively wet. Within a few months, it will take root and become a new plant.
Propagating Bougainvillea from Seeds
Though it’s less common to grow bougainvillea from seeds, during fall, it forms seed pods within the small white bloom in the center. Harvest and dry the pods, the seeds are quite small inside that can be planted during any time of the year, if kept warm. The germination takes a month or more.
Container Size
While buying bougainvillea, select specimens which do not become pot bound. The plants come in 6 inches pot is the perfect size for hanging baskets since their root ball can effortlessly fit in the basket. ‘Bambino’ range has a small and compact growth habit, ideal for hanging baskets.
Keep in mind that small hanging baskets dry out fast in a hot climate, you can reduce the risk by using large size baskets with 2 feet diameter. It is also recommended to use wire baskets with readymade coconut fiber lining, they are not only lightweight but also keep the soil and water properly.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Bougainvillea in Hanging Baskets
Location
Choose a location with full sun the whole day, it’s a precondition for making bougainvillea bloom. Hang the plants in direct sunlight away from strong winds. Also, rotate the baskets every two-three weeks for good growth and flowering.
Soil
Use water-retentive, good-quality potting mix, while planting keep the soil at the same level it was in the container when you purchased it. Fill sufficient potting mix in the bottom to allow the root ball to settle with its neck level. Carefully take out the plant from the pot and place in the center of the basket.
Water
Potted plants need more regular watering compared to bougainvillea planted in garden beds. Water fully, then allow the soil to turn dry between watering.
Bougainvillea Care in Hanging Baskets
Fertilizer
Use low nitrogen and high phosphorus fertilizer for more blooms and less vegetative growth. Apply balanced, slow-release water-soluble fertilizer in a half-strength, buy plant food formulated for bougainvillea, and if not available purchase hibiscus fertilizer.
Tip: Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt at the time of fertilization; it will benefit the plant.
Note: Avoid feeding the plant when the root system is dry; water the plant thoroughly and wait for one day before fertilization.
Pruning
Bougainvillea grows vigorously, so prune according to your choice. This hardy plant reacts positively to heavy pruning. Once flower buds start to form, stop pruning and resume when flowering has ended.
Overwintering
Place the baskets in an area that doesn’t freeze and have exposure to sunlight, and keep the plants on a dry side, when spring is near, increase the water slowly.
Pests and Diseases
Watch out for pests, especially bougainvillea loopers. Pick them off by hand at night or early in the morning. If you notice aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap, covering both the tops and undersides of the foliage. Repeat this every 4 to 7 days.
