How to Grow Bougainvillea Vines?

How to grow Bougainvillea vines?

Bougainvillea is one of the popular tropical perennial flowering shrubs and climbers. Discovered by Philibert Commerson, a French botanist in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the 1760s. The name Bougainvillea was named after his friend, sailor Louis de Bougainville. It is believed to be native to South America. It was introduced into India from Europe in 1860

Because of its versatile growth, it is easy to grow in pots, like a shrub or vine, bush, creeper, arch, pergola, ground cover, etc. It provides masses of color alongside the roads and on-road divider, in parks and gardens, and private residences. Due to its hardy nature and ability to grow under adverse conditions such as drought and pollution, it’s used in landscaping all over the country, and its use is fast increasing. It is fascinating for its colorful, attractive bracts. It flowers almost throughout the year except in the rainy season and in very severe winter. 

With its sharp, thick thorns, it is avoided by cattle, goats, monkeys, and even birds. It loves open sunshine, and the colors of some varieties grow brighter and more attractive in a hot, dry climate. A postal stamp was issued by the Indian Postal Department to commemorate this flower.

Out of several species, four species, namely ; 

 Bougainvillaea peruviana , B.glabra, B.buttiana, and B.Spectabilis are responsible for the evolution of a large number of varieties through hybridization, mutation, and bud sports. It belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae.

Varieties of Bougainvillea ;

For climber — Dr. R.R. Pal, Mary Palmer, Partha, Shubhra, Chitra. 

For Hedge – Thimma, Partha, Dr. R.R. Pal, Mrs. H.C. Buck. 

For Standard: Mahatma Gandhi, Begum Sikander, Shubhra, Formosa.

For Pot – Mary Palmer special, Begum Sikander, Cherry Blossom Dr R. R. Pal, Spring Festival, Cypheri, Sanderiana.

Propagation of Bougainvillea Vines ;

The technique of being adopted for propagation would largely depend on the variety. Several varieties are easily multiplied by cuttings, but varieties like; Thimma, which is difficult to root, have to be propagated by layering or budding. Dr.R.R. Pal is the best variety for rootstock in case of budding. This variety multiplied faster by cutting.

The best time for cutting and layering is  July-August (rainy season). Budding may be done during March-April and July-August.

Shield or ‘T’ budding is a suitable method. It can also be multiplied by seeds for new varieties. However, all varieties do not set the seeds. Seed setting is better in Bangalore and Hyderabad than in Delhi and Punjab. Varieties like Farmosa and Trinidad set seeds properly.

Pruning of  Bougainvillea ; 

 It is essential to keep the growth in check and to induce flowering. The amount of pruning depends on the variety and use.

The plants planted in groups are cut from the end of June to the 10th of July to the desired size and should be repeated every year to maintain proper shape and size. For a hedge purpose, plants are trimmed regularly at the top and sides to make them compact. Pruning enhances the new shoot’s growth, particularly in potted plants.

In the pots, only 4-5 main shoots growing out are retained at 20 to 45 cm length, depending on the vigour of the varieties. Flowering in bougainvillea generally occurs on new growth towards the tip of the new branch and therefore removal of new drooping branches are to be avoided for obtaining more flowers.

Irrigation in Bougainvillea Vines ;

Bougainvillea tolerates drying; irrigation should be adjusted to be a little on the dry side. They are sensitive to overwatering but should not be allowed to completely dry out.

Manuring in Bougainvillea Vines ;

There is hardly any requirement of nutrients except in the cases of plants showing yellow leaves or stunted growth. For healthy growth, nitrogenous fertilizers are topdressed. A fertilizer mixture of ammonium sulfate, superphosphate, and potassium sulphate in the ratio of 1:3:2 at the rate of 250 g per grown-up plants gives a good result. 

Use organic fertilizer amendments or controlled-release fertilizers to moderate nitrogen release. At planting, amend the soil with a fertilizer high in phosphate. For long-term culture, topdressing with a controlled-release fertilizer is needed. Do not overfertilize. Too much fertilizer will promote vegetative growth and inhibit blooming. Application of soluble minor elements helps prevent leaf chlorosis. Micronutrient applications can be half the recommended rate, twice a year.

Use of Growth retardant.  Maximum growth retardation was recorded with 800 ppm CCC while the increase in the number of bracts was found at 4000 ppm cycocel (CCC).