Bougainvillea Glabra
Many of us have admired the profuse flowers of Bougainvilleas during holidays in more southern and warmer places, where the luxuriant climbers often are decoratively growing shrubs in gardens and parks.
In the cooler Northern Europe we can also use Bougainvilleas outside, however, only from May till September - and only if the plant is placed in a mild, sunny spot, protected from the wind.
The inflorescence of a Bougainvillea is very special, as it has 3 petallike bracts surrounding 3 inconspicuous white flowers. The brightly coloured bracts are the decorative element of the Bougianvillea. They may be white, yellow or lilac or have different violet shades. Already in March you may enjoy the Bougainvillea in your home - it comes mainly on hoops - or in the conservatory provided the temperature is above 8° C. If you observe a few simple rules, the care of the plant is easy.
The Bougainvillea should be placed as light as possible, preferably in direct sun in a south-facing window, where only a few other plants will thrive. Never water excessively, actually it should go slightly dry between the waterings. It will even stand to have a little hanging leaves. Feed only in summer and in limited quantities.
If you would like to keep your Bougainvillea, you can make it overwinter. It must be cut back considerably in autumn. Then you place it in a cool and light place, e.g. in a cellar with good light, best at temperatures going down to 6° C. During the winter the pot soil should only be slightly humid. In spring you transplant the plant, the pale winter sprouts are cut back and the plant is placed somewhere warmer. Then your Bougainvillea will bloom again in May.