Bougainvillea Pruning for Better Blooming

Why Only Tips Bloom

Dense, unpruned bougainvillea shades its interior, so colorful bracts form only on sun-exposed terminal ends.

Annual Hard Prune

1. In late winter (before spring growth), cut back 30–50% of canopy.
2. Remove dead, crossing, and weak branches.
3. Open the center to light and air.

Patience Required

Flowers appear on new growth, so the show won't return until next bloom cycle. But the plant will be fuller, healthier, and more floriferous long-term.