Why Ground-Planted Bougainvillea Won't Bloom

Bougainvillea blooms best when slightly stressed — root-bound in pots, dry between waterings, and in full sun (6+ hours including noon). Ground-planted plants often get too much water and nitrogen (from lawn fertilizer), promoting leaves over flowers.

To induce bloom: ensure full sun, stop fertilizing, let soil dry between deep waterings, and prune to stimulate new flowering wood. A Texas gardener's tips at texasgardener.com confirm this approach. Potted plants bloom better because confinement creates the stress that triggers flowering.