Bougainvillea Frost Damage in San Diego: Wait for Spring Recovery

San Diego gardener planted 9 bougainvillea on a south slope 6 months ago. After 2 inches rain + week of sub-freezing nights, leaves and blooms dead. Asked if they'll return or need replacement.

Wait and See

• Don't remove yet. May resprout from base.
• Wait until late Jan/Feb for new growth as sun warms.
• Established plants withstand extremes better (stored carbs in roots). These were young.

If No Life by Mid-Feb

• Replace. Water new plants deeply every 5 days.
• Don't fertilize first year.

Bougainvillea is tough—give it a chance.