Q: I have six bougainvillea plants in my back yard. I have three on the east side and three on the west side planted about a year ago. Last summer the ones on the west side looked great and ones on the east side looked really bad. This summer the ones on the east side look great (see picture), the ones on the west side (not shown) look really bad.
We feed them and spray for bugs but still no luck. The water system goes off every other day at 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. My wife also waters them with the hose. But we can’t seem the get them to look good at the same time. Do you have any ideas as to what we can do?
A: Bougainvilleas are fairly tough plants once established and by the time they are a year old they should be doing well. The trouble last summer could have been from the shock of transplanting them. The plants on the east side appear to be getting western afternoon sun. That is where they do best and your plants on that side look great.
Hey there! I’m super excited to share everything I know about growing bougainvillea in shady conditions. As someone who’s experimented with these stunning plants in various lighting conditions, I’ve learned quite a bit about what works and what doesn’t.
The Quick Answer
While bougainvillea can survive in partial shade, it won’t thrive or produce those gorgeous blooms we all love without adequate sunlight. These plants need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
Understanding Bougainvillea’s Light Requirements
Let’s break down what you really need to know about bougainvillea and shade
Full Sun vs. Partial Shade
- Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily (optimal conditions)
- Partial Shade: 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily (acceptable but not ideal)
- Full Shade: Less than 4 hours of sunlight (not recommended)
What Happens When Bougainvillea Gets Too Little Sun?
When grown in too much shade. you might notice
- Slower growth rate
- Fewer flowers or no blooms at all
- Leggy, stretched-out stems
- Lighter colored leaves
- Increased susceptibility to diseases
- Weaker plant structure
Making It Work in Partial Shade
If you’re determined to grow bougainvillea in a partially shaded area, here’s what you can do to maximize success
1. Location Selection
- Choose a spot with morning sun exposure
- Avoid deep shade under trees
- Consider east-facing locations
- Ensure good air circulation
2. Care Adjustments
Essential Care Tips for Shade-Grown Bougainvillea:✓ Reduce watering frequency✓ Use high-phosphorus fertilizer✓ Prune more frequently✓ Monitor for pest problems✓ Maintain well-draining soil3. Best Varieties for Partial Shade
Some bougainvillea varieties handle partial shade better than others:
- ‘Raspberry Ice’
- ‘Barbara Karst’
- ‘Purple Queen’
- ‘Singapore Pink’
Expert Tips for Success
Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience:
-
Water Management
- Water less frequently in shade
- Always check soil moisture before watering
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
-
Fertilization Strategy
- Use bloom-boosting fertilizer (high in phosphorus)
- Feed every 4-6 weeks during growing season
- Reduce fertilizer in winter months
-
Pruning Practices
- Remove leggy growth promptly
- Shape the plant to maximize light exposure
- Trim back after flowering cycles
Common Problems and Solutions
When growing bougainvillea in shade, you might encounter these issues:
Problem 1: No Blooms
Solution:
- Move to a sunnier location if possible
- Increase fertilization with high-phosphorus feed
- Reduce watering frequency
Problem 2: Leggy Growth
Solution:
- Prune regularly
- Provide support structures
- Direct growth toward light sources
Problem 3: Disease Issues
Solution:
- Improve air circulation
- Reduce watering
- Treat with appropriate fungicides if needed
Alternative Options
If your garden is too shady for bougainvillea, consider these shade-loving alternatives:
- Hydrangeas
- Camellias
- Azaleas
- Japanese Forest Grass
- Hostas
Seasonal Care Tips
Spring
- Begin regular fertilization
- Increase watering gradually
- Start pruning schedule
Summer
- Monitor water needs
- Continue fertilization
- Watch for pest issues
Fall
- Reduce watering
- Last fertilization
- Prepare for winter
Winter
- Minimal watering
- No fertilization
- Protect from frost
Final Thoughts
While bougainvillea can survive in partial shade, it’s not gonna give you its best show without proper sunlight. If you’re dealing with a shady spot, you might wanna consider either finding a sunnier location or choosing a different plant altogether.
I’ve seen plenty of folks struggle with shade-grown bougainvillea, and honestly, it’s usually more hassle than it’s worth. But hey, if you’re determined to make it work, follow the tips I’ve shared above, and you might just get lucky with some blooms!
FAQ
Q: Will my bougainvillea die in shade?
A: Nah, it probably won’t die, but it definitely won’t thrive like it should.
Q: Can I grow bougainvillea in containers in partial shade?
A: Yes, but make sure you can move the container to follow the sun when needed.
Q: How do I know if my bougainvillea isn’t getting enough light?
A: Watch for reduced flowering, leggy growth, and pale leaves – these are dead giveaways!
Remember, gardening is all about experimenting and learning from our mistakes. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches until you find what works best in your space!
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The plants on the west side appear to be getting eastern morning sun and might be shaded in the afternoon by the wall. Since full sun is prescribed for these plants, it could be a factor for the ones that may be shaded. It’s hard for me to say from the photos (not shown) how much shade they get but it’s something to keep in mind.
From your description, the trouble this year may be due to overfertilizing and overwatering. Once or twice each year is all you need to fertilize and watering should be done less often and deeper than your current schedule. Try switching your irrigation schedule to once every seven to 10 days to a depth of 12 to 18 inches in the summer. Then you can reduce the irrigation to once every two weeks in the fall and every three weeks in the winter.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to
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