Care of Bouganvilleas?

Question

I have just planted several in our landscape. The bushy types are growing quite well, I am wondering about pruning to maintain their bushiness.

Answer 1

Bougainvillea may be pruned at any time of the year.  Bloom initiation does not depend upon pruning -- a bougainvillea has a bloom cycle followed by a rest period whether pruned or not.  A hard prune is recommended when you need to contain growth or when you are preparing to move you bougainvillea indoors for the winter.  A soft prune is recommended for bougainvillea only when trying to obtain a special form.  A bougainvillea, like most vining-type plants, will continue to grow outward without sending out side branches from each leaf-bud point unless the stem is pinched.  If you want one long stem, then don't pinch out the tip.  By pinching out the tip, most bougainvillea cultivars will send out new stems from two to three leaf-buds below the cut.  SOme varieties do not send out any new stems, so their appearance is always stringy are bare.  

Hope that helps you out!

Answer 2

Prune all side shoots to 3 buds from stem in late winter, or early spring just before growth begins. Tip prune early spring to keep their bushiness.

Answer 3

I think you can prune them just about anytime of the year.  However, the pruning will affect the bloom.