Overwintering Bougainvillea: The "Don't Bother" Honest Assessment

Should You Overwinter Bougainvillea? A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Two experts, two opinions. Here's the decision framework.

Expert A (Bakerplanter): Do It Right

Cool dormancy (40-60°F), minimal water, bright light, winter prune. Preserves mature root system for earlier, heavier bloom next year. Work involved but rewarding.

Expert B (Gary): Buy New

Indoor survival = struggle. Spider mites, leaf drop, no flowers, space hog. $20-30 new plant in spring = better genetics, no pests, zero winter labor. Most home conditions can't meet bougainvillea's needs.

Decision Factors

Overwinter If:	Replace If:
Rare/cultivar-specific variety	Common variety available locally
You have cool bright space (40-60°F)	Only warm indoor space (65°F+)
You enjoy the challenge	You want zero winter plant care
Large specimen with sentimental value	Standard 1-2 gallon nursery plant

Middle Ground

Take 6-inch cuttings in January. Root in perlite/vermiculite. Pot up 3-4. Overwinter small plants (easier). Plant out in spring. Best of both worlds.

Your call. Neither answer is wrong—just different gardening philosophies.