Bougainvillea Pruning: Timing Is Everything for Blooms

Prune Hard in Late Winter, Not Now

Your 4-year-old bougainvillea in a 24-inch pot is potbound—that's good. Potbound plants flower more. Rapid new growth means it's ready to bloom.

Now (growing season): Do NOT prune. Enjoy the coming flowers.
Late winter (Feb–Mar): After semi-dormancy, cut back hard to desired size/shape.
Why: Flowers form only on new growth. Pruning now removes flowering wood.

Repeat hard late-winter pruning yearly. This keeps the plant compact, shapely, and flower-packed each summer.

Email wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com for free bougainvillea care guide.

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