In winter, as the temperature drops, the air becomes crisp and cold. Yet, in both urban and rural areas across South China, bougainvillea thrives with its vibrant, eye-catching blooms. These flowers come in a stunning array of colors—purple, white, orange, light red, pink, and various shades of red—creating a lively and colorful landscape that brings joy to people’s lives.
Known commonly as bougainvillea, this plant is also referred to as "Bougainvillea spectabilis" or "Rhododendron." Native to South America, particularly Brazil, Peru, and Argentina, it is an evergreen woody vine with drooping branches. The plant typically flowers in clusters of three and was first discovered at the end of the 18th century. It wasn't until the 1920s that it was cultivated in the UK, and it wasn't introduced to China until the 1950s. Initially, it was grown only in greenhouses in southern botanical gardens and northern cities. By the 1980s, it began to spread widely in Guangdong, Yunnan, and Fujian, thanks to its easy cultivation and adaptability. Today, it has become a common sight in many southern provinces.
Bougainvillea is known for its long flowering period, multiple bloom cycles, and strong adaptability. Its flowers come in different forms: single-petaled or double-petaled, and they can be propagated through cuttings, grafting, or natural growth. In terms of color, it ranges from deep purples and whites to bright oranges, pinks, and various red tones. It's widely used for landscaping or as a decorative houseplant, adding beauty to any space.
To encourage more blooming, it's essential to understand the plant’s needs. Some people buy bougainvillea and enjoy its beauty at first, but after some time, the flowers begin to decrease. This often happens because of overwatering, which leads to excessive leaf growth and fewer blooms. Therefore, proper care involves controlling water intake. While it may seem counterintuitive, less frequent watering actually helps the plant thrive. That's why many home growers find that their bougainvillea doesn’t bloom much unless they reduce watering.
Bougainvillea prefers bright, warm conditions and can tolerate direct sunlight. During fall and winter, it’s best to keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering. For about a month, allow the soil to dry out partially. Even if the leaves drop, it's not a major concern. The plant is resilient and can regrow quickly. Pruning is important, but excessive trimming, especially on roadside plants, can lead to a "bald head" appearance, resulting in fewer flowers. When repotting, avoid watering immediately if the roots are still developing. Instead, water once every two days, and once new growth appears, gradually return to normal watering and place it in full sun.
Bougainvillea is not cold-tolerant. A sudden drop in temperature can cause it to shed leaves rapidly. If temperatures fall below 3°C, the plant is at risk of frost damage. At this time, watering should be minimized. Keep it in a warm environment (between 10°C and 15°C) and water it every 10 days or so until spring when new buds and leaves appear. Gradually increase the watering as the weather warms up. Otherwise, root rot may occur, leading to the plant's death. With proper care, bougainvillea can continue to flourish and bring beauty year after year.
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