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Bougainvillea panic

BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
in Problem solving
Two weeks ago I bought a potted Bougainvillea. I put it in our warm lounge, on a table near the window which is south west facing and gets a lot of sun. I have watered it a few times, poked my finger in the compost half an inch to check it NEEDS water... but  a few flowers have fallen off and even a couple of leaves. I have ALWAYS wanted a Bougainvillea and can't bear to think I am murdering it.... any help or advice gratefully recieved please

Posts

  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
    I have only ever grown Bougainvillea in a conservatory facing south, in a deep bed, which reaches temperatures of up to 30 degrees on a very hot day, going down to below 10 degrees in the winter, so quite a variation of temperature, with full sun in the summer.  These plants can grow very big, ours is between 1 and 2 metres tall, 1 metre wide. We prune it once a year, giving it a hard prune every late winter when it is dormant.  I would not grow it as a house plant, they are vigorous plants and need plenty of water, feed, warmth and light. I wouldn't restrict it to a plant pot.  I don't know if any of this helps you Bigbard.
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
    Oh dear.... now I feel cruel.... it will have to go and live in the greenhouse in a massive pot because it is far too cold outside up here next to the North Sea in the Scottish Borders
     :'( 
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
    Sorry to be the harbinger of gloom Bigbarb, Philippa is right, this plant should be classed as exotic - the greenhouse is the best choice for this plant in either a fertile bed or a very large pot as you suggest.
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
    Thanks knowledgeable people... so glad I asked you guys and didn't just commit my poor plant to a slow and lingering death. It will be going in a huge tub in the greenhouse asap

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