When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Bougainvillea are long-flowering climbing plants renowned for producing brightly colored blooms for much of the spring, summer, and fall. These vibrant climbers often remind me of holidays in southern Europe, cascading over white-washed walls on sun-drenched streets. While your reality might be a little different from this postcard-like of a Greek island, growing bougainvillea can help to beautify any outside space and transport you – even if only for a minute – to a faraway place.
When considering how to care for and grow bougainvillea, these plants are native to warmer regions and zones and grow best in sheltered spots and full-sun positions. With the right conditions and care, bougainvilleas can grow up to 3 feet in a single growing season. It is no wonder that they are often thought of as some of the best climbing plants to grow for color, impact and vigor.
Knowing how to fertilize bougainvillea plants is important, and while these tropical-looking climbers can often grow just fine without regular fertilization, feeding in the spring and summer can help support plant growth and extend flowering. Here, plant experts advise on the most suitable timing and best approach to feeding your bougainvillea.
Bougainvillea with its vibrant bracts and cascading flowers is a beloved plant for pots and containers. However, getting abundant blooms requires meeting this heavy feeder’s nutritional needs. Choosing the right fertilizer is key to the health and performance of potted bougainvillea.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best fertilizer options to help your bougainvillea thrive in a pot or container.
Bougainvillea’s Nutritional Requirements
Bougainvillea needs a constant supply of essential nutrients to support lush growth and prolific flowering, Here are some key requirements
- Nitrogen (N) – For healthy foliage growth
- Phosphorus (P) – To stimulate blooming
- Potassium (K) – For disease resistance and overall vigor
- Micronutrients – Like iron, magnesium, and zinc
A balanced fertilizer containing macro and micronutrients is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.5-6.5.
Best Fertilizer Types for Potted Bougainvillea
There are several good fertilizer options to nourish container bougainvillea
Slow-Release Fertilizers
Slow-release or controlled-release fertilizers provide a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period. Options like Osmocote or Scotts Flower and Vegetable Plant Food are great choices.
Pros
- Provide continuous nourishment
- Convenient, only need applying every 2-3 months
- Reduce risk of fertilizer burn
Water-Soluble Fertilizers
These dissolve in water for easy application. Miracle-Gro and other brands offer water-soluble formulas for flowering plants.
Pros
- Allow precise control over nutrient levels
- Can quickly correct deficiencies
- Ideal for frequent, light feeding
Organic Fertilizers
Organic options like compost, worm castings, bone meal, and kelp meal slowly release nutrition. Great for a natural approach.
Pros
- Improve soil health and structure
- Derived from natural sources
- Reduce risk of over-fertilization
Key Tips for Fertilizing Potted Bougainvillea
Follow these tips to maximize the benefits of fertilizing potted bougainvillea:
-
Use a balanced fertilizer – Look for equal N-P-K ratios like 10-10-10 or 8-8-8. This nourishes both foliage and blooms.
-
Try a bougainvillea-specific formula – Some brands offer fertilizers tailored to bougainvillea’s needs.
-
Apply at planting – Give newly potted bougainvillea a starter dose to encourage establishment.
-
Fertilize regularly – Feed every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for continuous nourishment.
-
Reduce frequency after blooming – Cut back on fertilizer in fall to harden growth before winter dormancy.
-
Watch for signs of deficiency – Yellowing leaves, weak stems, or lackluster blooms indicate the need for more fertilizer.
Tips for Using Liquid Fertilizers
With water-soluble fertilizers, follow these guidelines:
-
Always dilute to half or quarter strength before applying.
-
Fertilize lightly but frequently, such as weekly or biweekly.
-
Apply early morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf scorch.
-
Rinse leaves after application to prevent residue buildup.
-
Reduce frequency in hot weather to avoid fertilizer burn.
Signs of Over-Fertilization
Too much fertilizer can harm bougainvillea. Watch for these signs:
-
Tip burn on leaves
-
Excessive leaf growth with few blooms
-
White mineral deposits on soil
-
Stunted root growth
Choosing the right fertilizer ensures your potted bougainvillea receives the continuous nourishment it needs for lush growth and abundant blooms. Aim for a balanced, slow-release formula applied regularly during the growing season. Tailor your approach based on the plant’s age, growth rate, and observed deficiencies. With a well-fed bougainvillea, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant, cascading color in your pots and containers.
How to fertilize bougainvillea (Image credit: Scenics & Science/Alamy Stock Photo)
Bougainvilleas love the sun but do best when they thoroughly dry out between waterings and feedings, says Bert Bast, garden expert and owner of Bast Brothers Garden Center. It is important to remember that these tropical plants thrive with sunshine and prefer dry soils.
If they are planted in the ground, you should not need to fertilize, Bert adds, I usually just add some fresh mulch and compost to the borders each year to improve soil health. Mulch is available to order online from Walmart.
If your bougainvillea appears stressed, or you are seeing yellowing leaves or a reduction in blooming, it might be time to apply a small amount of fertilizer, Bert continues.
For plants in containers, Bert recommends using an organic fertilizer to continually improve soil conditions. Feeding consistently at regular intervals during the spring and summer is best, so that your plants remain healthy, Bert says. Bougainvillea fertilizer is available from Walmart.
Typically, fertilizers high in nitrogen will help if you want to encourage leafy, green growth, while feeds high in potash – or potassium – will help boost flower production and intensify the color of the blooms. Many products that are high in potash are available to buy in garden stores or online, such as this tomato feed from Amazon.
Bert Bast is a garden expert and owner of Bast Brothers Garden Centre. Established in 2014 and nestled in the heart of Mullica Hill, NJ, Bast Brothers Garden Center is a destination for all things garden.
How to fertilize bougainvillea
If you are looking for a colorful climber, planting a bougainvillea in your yard is sure to make a bold statement. Whether growing these climbing plants at the front of the house or perhaps vining over a structure in the backyard, vibrant pink, purple, or yellow blooms will undoubtedly add impact to your space.
These plants are native to South America and tend to grow best in US hardiness zone 9 and US hardiness zone 10, so be sure to position them in a sunny and protected area in the yard. If you have an established climber, or a recently planted one, fertilizing bougainvillea is a job to add to your summer gardening checklist.
Growing Bougainvillea in Pots | Bougainvillea Care in Containers
FAQ
What is the best fertilizer for potted Bougainvillea?
Bougainvilleas are heavy feeders. A balanced fertiliser that contains nitrogen for healthy stem and leaf growth and is boosted with additional flower-promoting potassium, like Yates Thrive Natural Roses & Flowers Organic Based Pelletised Plant Food is ideal for feeding Bougainvilleas.
Can I use Miracle-Gro on Bougainvillea?
Many gardeners wait until the plant wilts before they water. Water enough to have moisture emerge from the drain hole. Fertilize bougainvillea with a soluble fertilizer such as Miracle Gro, Peters or Rapid Gro every other time you water. The other option is to use granular hibiscus food.
How to keep potted Bougainvillea blooming?
- Place in full sun.
- Water a couple of times a week, allowing the plant to dry out between waterings.
- Feed regularly and heavily every 2-3 weeks during and after the bloom cycle.
- Prune aggressively to maintain the desired shape.
- Walk away and ignore it.
How to make Bougainvillea bloom faster in pots?
To encourage faster and more frequent blooming of bougainvillea in pots, focus on providing optimal growing conditions, proper watering, and fertilization, and regular pruning. Specifically, ensure your bougainvillea receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, uses well-draining soil, and is watered only when the top inch of soil is dry.