Bougainvillea Cold Damage in Central California: Wait, Don't Prune Yet

Winter Wilt Is Usually Temporary Shock

Bougainvillea in Central California often suffers leaf wilt and browning after unusual cold snaps. The roots and woody stems are likely alive. The plant is reacting to temperature shock, not dying.

Best Response: Patience

• Do not prune now – Dead-looking leaves may protect live buds beneath.
• Wait for spring growth – New shoots will emerge from live wood when temperatures stabilize.
• Then prune selectively – Remove only truly dead wood (brittle, no green under bark scratch test).

Long-Term Hardiness

Bougainvillea is root-hardy to ~25°F (-4°C). Top growth may die back, but the plant returns from the base. In marginal zones, plant against a south-facing wall and mulch heavily in fall.

Your plants will leaf out again—give them time.