Online Reporter
Andrew Mangwarara
THIS summer, infuse vibrant colour into your garden with the bougainvillea family of ornamentals.
These stunning plants are native to Central and South America but have become beautifully naturalised in our region.
They deliver an incredible colour show, ranging from vibrant magenta, orange and red to soft pink and even white.
Bougainvilleas are highly versatile and can be used in many situations: to cover fences and trellises, cascade from hanging baskets, form dense hedges or serve as beautiful container plants and shrubs on lawns or patios.
Generally, bougainvilleas are fast-growing, drought-tolerant and easy to maintain, thriving best in a full sun position.
While their spectacular colour does not come from true flowers but modified leaves called bracts, they can provide year-round flowering, offering continuous visual interest.
They do need to be pruned regularly, but the effort is always rewarding.
Since some cultivars grow faster than others, choose your variety wisely based on your space and needs.
Bougainvilleas possess thorns, which they use for support and protection, making them an excellent material for security fencing.
Their root system is quite fragile, so it is best to plant directly into the ground from the pot.
To plant, dig a hole at least 50cm deep and enrich the soil with compost.
Set the plant without disturbing the root ball and cover gently.
When planting in pots, always use a well-draining soil medium.
The plant prefers erratic watering over consistent, regular watering.
Be sure to limit nitrogen-based fertiliser, as this promotes excessive foliage growth at the expense of those showy flowers.
For year-round greening and spectacular effect, bougainvilleas are a timeless choice that continues to be loved by gardeners everywhere.
You can take cuttings in spring using a rooting hormone like Seradix for faster and more reliable results.
If you would like to be featured in our green-up campaign, contact us on: [email protected] or [email protected]
Tinaye Agere