Bougainvillea Not Blooming: Causes & Treatment

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Actually, the bougainvillea should bloom magnificently - but no blossom shows. We go on a search for clues and check what could be the reason.

Bougainvillea leaves green white
The magnificent flowers are not always formed [Photo: abinkung/ Shutterstock.com]

the Bougainvillea - it gives every garden a southern flair and impresses above all with its radiant bracts, which can appear in a wide variety of colours. The plant, which is kept in a bucket in this country, is extremely sensitive to cold, so that the Bougainvillea overwinters must become. A common problem among bougainvillea fans is the lack of colorful bracts and flowers that give the exotic species its characteristic appearance. We clarify why your specimen may not flower and what you can do about it.

In most cases, failure to flower can be attributed to improper timing or care. The following reasons can ensure that your bougainvillea does not bloom in summer.

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  • lack of energy
  • Lack of nutrients
  • Missing cut

lack of energy

As with other flowering plants, the formation of flowers devours a large part of the energy that first has to be generated by the sun's rays. The top priority with a bougainvillea is therefore: always place it in a sunny and warm location. Partially shaded locations are unsuitable for the tropical plant and unnecessarily reduce the energy required for flowering. Fortunately, the location is variable due to the attitude in the bucket and should ideally be chosen on the south side of a house. In addition, the earlier the bougainvillea can sprout leaves again after hibernation, the earlier and more likely it will flower in summer. Be sure to provide bright conditions during hibernation as well.

Bougainvillea in bloom
Bougainvillea likes it warm and light [Photo: Oil LS/ Shutterstock.com]

Lack of nutrients

Another cause of bougainvillea not blooming, especially during the summer, can be a lack of nutrients. In addition to nitrogen and potassium, it is primarily phosphate that the plant needs to develop its flowers. For this very reason, it is always advisable to work in compost with each repot in order to provide enough phosphate. If you find that this type of organic fertilizer is not sufficient, it makes sense to use an organic liquid fertilizer. Our Plantura Organic flower & balcony fertilizer is simply administered via the irrigation water and thus acts quickly and effectively.

Missing cut

Proper pruning of the bougainvillea is sometimes responsible for the fact that there is no or only weak flowering in summer. The tropical plant always forms its flowers and magnificent bracts on new shoots, so cutting back at least once a year is necessary for lush flowering. Ideally, make a rough cut in early spring before the leaves sprout, cutting off the faded shoots.

Cutting bougainvillea with hedge trimmers
A skilful pruning at the right time stimulates flowering [Photo: Robie Online/ Shutterstock.com]