Expert: C.L. Fornari - 9/11/2007

Question
A friend of ours gave us this Bougainvillea as a house warming gift. It was doing alright when we got it, but I kinda let it get root bound and it almost died, but it came back. Now my problem is it has grown quite a bit, but all the "leaves" are green. It is not blooming. What can I do to get them to bloom? So that the "leaves" are purple again? I have tried fertilizer and it is now planted in a flower garden in the dirt (no longer in a pot)
I live in South East Florida where it is always hot. (I don't know if thats a factor)
p.s its a climbing Bougainvillea

Answer
Bougainvilleas bloom best in the low light of winter months, and usually come into bloom after a drought. In some situations they bloom off and on all year, but they never bloom constantly.  Be sure that you have the plant in full sun - at least 6 hours or more. After that, water it once a week as it gets established, and once every three weeks in a drought so that it doesn't die.  Once a year fertilizer using an organic fertlizer is usually enough.

I hope this helps,
C.L.