Overwintering Bougainvillea, Kousa Dogwood & Pyracantha in Pennsylvania

Three distinct plants, three tailored winter strategies for southeastern PA (Zone 6b-7a).

Bougainvillea (Container, Fuchsia Color)

Brought indoors before frost—leaf drop is normal semi-dormancy.

• Light: Bright south/west window.
• Water: Once weekly, barely moist.
• Fertilizer: None until spring.
• Pruning: Late winter, shape lightly—remove dead/tangled growth. Hard pruning may delay blooming a year.
• Spring transition: After frost, shade 7 days, then full sun. Feed with high-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 10-30-10).

Kousa Dogwood (10 ft, NW Exposure, Few Flowers/Fruit)

• Likely issue: Too much shade. Kousas need 4–6 hours sun for good bloom/fruit.
• Feed: Early spring with rhododendron/azalea fertilizer (acidic, low nitrogen) or 0-10-10.
• Mulch: 2–3 inches out to drip line (8 ft radius). Keep off trunk.
• Drainage: Ensure soil isn't soggy.
• Patience: As it matures and possibly gets more light, flowering improves.

Pyracantha (5 ft, NE Exposure, No Berries)

• Feed: Same 0-10-10 or bloom-booster in early spring.
• Prune: After flowering (spring) to shape—berries form on 2-year-old wood.
• Pollination: Most cultivars are self-fertile, but a second variety nearby increases set.
• Sun: NE exposure may be marginal; more sun = more flowers = more berries.

Common Thread

All three benefit from phosphorus/potassium over nitrogen for flowering and fruiting. Reduce lawn fertilizer runoff into their root zones.