Anyone ever plant a Bougainvillea in a large pot? If so, how often should I water it? I live in Northern CA?

Question

It gets up in the 100's here during the summer. I came from Southern CA where Bougainvilleas thrived. Up here I lost them in the wintertime when they were planted in the ground. Last year I planted one in a pot and I moved it onto the patio near the house for protection and it made it thru the winter. Now it is doing well. I have been told to only water it once a week. But it doesn't seem like enough to me. Also, how often should it be fed? Your advise?

Answer 1

Use your best judgment, water once a week thoroughly if it is in a large pot should be enough. If you want to use fertilizer once a month should be good. If it is not going into the house you can mulch it. That help keep moisture. If it gets pot bound you might want to transplant into a larger pot in the fall, or next spring, I wouldn't do it in the heat.

More information, interesting article tried to copy and paste certain in parts, but it won't let me copy. Good reading if you want to know more about this plant.

http://www.bgi-usa.com/bougainvillea-res...

Answer 2

If you like this type of plant, it is very sturdy and hard to get rid of, trust me I have tried short of digging it up.

I just don't like the thorns on this plant.

07.07.08 5:58pm EDT

Answer 3

I live in Phoenix and bougainvilleas are everywhere!  They are very drought tolerant. As a matter of fact, if you over water it, it will stop blooming. They like to dry out. They are tough plants but they don't like cold.   If you can move it when winter comes so it's more protected I would advise it.