Getting Bougainvillea to Produce Colorful Bracts

Stress Equals Color for Bougainvillea

Howard wants his bougainvillea to have the vibrant colored bracts it had at the nursery.

Bougainvilleas bloom best under moderate stress: limited water, minimal fertilizer.
High nitrogen fertilizer promotes green leaves at the expense of bracts.
Prune dead wood, but avoid heavy feeding. A monthly dose of Miracle‑Gro is plenty.
They need warm nights (tropical) and full sun.
Patience—color cycles come and go.

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