The Bougainvillea is a floriferous one, but needs to be kept in check. Our guide explains which cutting measures are necessary and when.
As a climbing plant, the bougainvillea is characterized by lush growth. It is not uncommon for the blooming exotic species to climb four to five meters in height. In order for the triplet to develop optimally, it needs a climbing aid. While the bougainvillea takes up entire house walls in its original homeland of Brazil, this is only possible to a limited extent in our latitudes. Since the plants are not hardy, they have to move indoors in the fall. Cutting the bougainvillea regularly is not only useful for this reason. Pruning measures can also keep the plant he althy and vigorous and promote flowering. Everything you need to know about pruning the climbing bougainvillea can be found here.
Shortening the shoots ensures flowering pleasure
The hobby gardener will really enjoy the bougainvillea. With good care, it grows quite luxuriantly and quickly reaches a few meters in height. The shoots can literally shoot up, which gives the plant a somewhat sparse growth. Since flowers only form at the tips of the shoots, you should wait for the first flowering and only then cut back the plant. The shoots can be shortened by about half. This pruning action causes the shoots to branch and new flowers to form at the branches.
➔ Tip: The bougainvillea can be made to flower several times during the summer.
The pruning of the shoots should be carried out about monthly on free-standing plants during the growth phase. After pruning, the plant should be fertilized to allow it to strengthen and better cope with the stress caused by pruning.
Pruning back shoots - step by step
- Pruning after flowering
- Shorten the shoots by about half
- use sharp tool
- Fertilize the plant afterwards
How to cut back the Bougainvillea
Who needs a bigger pruning on hisBougainvillea should do so before the growing season begins. Early spring is the right time for this. Pruning can also be combined with transplanting. Every one to two years, the triplet flowers should move to a larger planter and get fresh substrate, because the soil in the relatively small planter is used up quite quickly. When pruning, all side shoots that come off the main shoot are removed directly where they emerge.
The plant may seem a bit sparse at first glance. But it will sprout all the more vigorously in the coming months and also surprise with rich flowering.
Pruning - step by step
- perform before the start of the growth phase
- Remove side shoots
- Leave main shoot
- can be done as part of transplanting
Pruning bougainvillea before hibernation - is that necessary?
It's not absolutely necessary, but definitely possible. Especially when there is little space in the winter quarters, it makes sense to prune the triplet flower before winter. The cut can be radical, as just described. An advantage of pruned plants that no longer have leaves is that they can overwinter well in a darker room, since no photosynthesis takes place.
Pruning back bougainvillea - advice at a glance
| Type of pruning | Explanation |
| Pruning back shoots | ▶ The bougainvillea often forms quite long shoots. ▶ These can be shortened after flowering. ▶ You cut back about half. ▶ The shoots then form new branches and flowers. |
| Radical Cut | ▶ If you want to radically cut back the plants, remove all side shoots that are coming off the main shoot. ▶ The plant will then sprout again, grow bushier and bloom more intensively. |
| Pruning before winter | ▶ A radical pruning can also be done before winter. ▶ This is particularly recommended when space in the winter quarters is tight and other plants have to move there. |
What should be considered when pruning the bougainvillea?
The plants generally tolerate pruning very well. However, this does not mean that it is pleasant for the plant. Every cut means stress. You should do this if possiblekeep low.
This includes choosing the right time. Plants are not pruned back during flowering and no radical pruning is ever done during veg. Pruning measures are not usually carried out on days with full sun. A dry, cloudy day is more suitable. The cutting measures create wounds that could be damaged by the sun's rays. It is also important that the cutting edge is as straight as possible. Therefore, a sharp knife must be used. A quick and straight cut is the best option.
Tips for the right pruning in keywords:
- wait for the right time
- do not cut during flowering
- wait for dry cloudy day
- use sharp knife
- ensure a smooth cutting edge
An overview of the advantages and disadvantages of pruning
| Advantages | Cons |
| ▶ Pruning makes the plant look more attractive. ▶ Pruning promotes growth and flowering. ▶ Pruning plants are better suited to winter quarters. | ▶ Pruning means stress for the plant. ▶ You have to wait for a certain period of time. ▶ The plants appear rather sparse after pruning. |
SOS - when pruning cannot be avoided
In certain situations it is simply necessary to cut back the plants. In the event of disease or pest infestation, it is not possible to wait for the right time after the growing season, because it is about saving the plant. It means grabbing the scissors immediately if you see diseased or dead plant parts or if pests have spread to the leaves. Especially in the case of fungal infestation, it must be cut back radically. If aphids are troubling the bougainvillea, the hobby gardener can avoid pruning if he reacts promptly and eliminates the pests by showering with a hard jet of water or by applying or spraying on soapy water.