Violet Blueberry Ice Bougainvillea Plant

Violet Blueberry Ice Bougainvillea Plants are compact, slow growers that produce masses of lavender-blue paper flowers, or bracts, enhanced by sharply contrasted, variegated foliage. Bougainvillea is surprisingly easy to grow with minimal needs - full sun, well-drained soil and intermittent irrigation as it's drought tolerant. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies will stop by often. 

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