Vanilla Ice Bougainvillea Plant

Vanilla Ice Bougainvillea Plants offer classic white flowers surround by white bracts and white and green variegated foliage that is sure to bright up any growing spot or container. Paperflower plants will put out a big explosion of color, drop their bracts and then flower again. This is repeated all season long. Bougainvillea are surprisingly easy to grow, and their needs are minimal - full sun, well-drained soil and intermittent irrigation as they are drought tolerant. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies will stop by often. Can be grown as a houseplant.

Planting Instructions:

• - Space plants 3-6 feet apart, depending on the variety
• - Choose a location with good air circulation
• - Can be grown in containers or directly in the ground in zones 10-11

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 5.5-6.5
• - Well-draining, slightly acidic soil
• - Add sand or perlite to improve drainage if necessary

Watering Specifics:

• - Container plants need regular watering
• - For plants in the ground, water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth
• - Established plants in soil only need watering if it hasn't rained for a couple of weeks
• - Allow soil to dry between waterings; bougainvillea is drought-tolerant
• - Reduce watering in winter when growth slows

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring
• - Apply a phosphorus-rich fertilizer monthly during the growing season to promote flowering
• - Container plants benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
• - Do not fertilize when overwintering indoors

Pruning and Training:

• - Prune after flowering to maintain shape and control size
• - Remove dead or damaged wood in early spring
• - Train climbing varieties on trellises or support structures
• - Stems must be tied or attached to supports as bougainvillea cannot climb on its own

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for common pests like aphids, mealybugs, and caterpillars
• - Monitor for diseases such as leaf spot and root rot, especially in humid conditions

Blooming Indicators:

• - Blooms most heavily in spring and fall, with sporadic flowering in summer
• - Flowers appear on new growth, so regular pruning encourages more blooms

Light Requirements:

• - Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• - Can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Can tolerate brief periods of temperatures down to 40°F
• - Not frost-hardy; protect or bring indoors when temperatures drop below 40°F

Overwintering Instructions:

• - For areas with freezing temperatures, bring container plants indoors
• - Before bringing inside, cut the plant back to about 24 inches
• - Place near an east, south, or west-facing window, but keep a couple feet back from the window
• - Avoid placing near heating registers
• - Allow soil to dry between waterings
• - Do not fertilize during the indoor overwintering period

Companion Plants for Bougainvillea:

• - Lantana: Offers multi-colored flower clusters and thrives in similar hot, sunny conditions
• - Hibiscus: Provides large, tropical flowers that complement bougainvillea's colorful bracts
• - Mandevilla: Another climbing plant with trumpet-shaped flowers for vertical interest
• - Lavender: Adds fragrance and contrasting texture to the landscape
• - Portulaca: A low-growing, drought-tolerant plant that provides ground cover beneath bougainvillea