Bougainvilleas (Bougainvillea spp.) are normally grown for their colorful blooms that are actually not flowers at all. In fact, these “blooms” are modified leaves known as bracts. The bracts, which are the colorful part of the plant, encase the actual flowers of the bougainvilleas, which are small and white.

No matter what you call these bright areas of the plant, many gardeners have experienced issues with their bougainvilleas producing the vibrant bracts that they desire.

Thankfully, there are tips you can implement to help encourage this cheerful plant to bloom.

Location, Location, Location

Bougainvillea is a sun-loving plant that requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. If it isn’t receiving this amount of sun, then the plant cannot produce blooms, and its overall health will suffer.

If your plant isn’t blooming during the summer months, check to ensure it is getting full sun. If it isn’t, you may have to transplant it to a sunnier spot in your garden.

Protect It From Frost

Bougainvillea are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11. While they can typically handle a light freeze just fine, a deeper freeze can kill its roots. Without those roots, the plant cannot survive, let alone produce blooms. If you live outside of those hardiness zones, the bougainvillea will need to be grown in a pot and moved inside during the colder months.

Make Sure They Get Rest

Bougainvillea are hard-working plants that require a dormant, or resting, period in order to stay healthy, strong, and produce blooms.

This period naturally occurs during the winter when the nights are longer and the temperatures are lower.

If, however, you bring the plant indoors during the winter, you will need to mimic this resting period.

This can be done by placing the plant in a dark area of your home that isn’t heated and won’t get light during the evening hours.

Give It Food

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