Bougainvillea in Coastal NC: Must Come Indoors

No Outdoor Overwintering

Bougainvillea (Zone 9–11) cannot survive NC freezes. Straw mulch suffocates the non-dormant crown.

Required Steps

1. Prune back 30–50%.
2. Dig and pot in container.
3. Bring indoors to sunny window.
4. Water sparingly; no fertilizer.
5. Return outdoors after last frost.