Expert: Mike Mascio - 7/22/2007

Question
Hi... I live in Florida and have two nice size Bougenvillea's in my front yard.  When we were going through the dry season here, they were blooming beautifully.  Now, it's been raining often and even though I cut them back trying to get blooms again -- all I am getting is lots of long shoots coming from them.  Do I leave these long shoots or cut them all off?  Thanks.

Answer
Bougenvillea are tropical by nature and do not like a lot of water. When they do receive excess water, they stop blooming.

I would cut the longer shoots to hopefully promote more blooms. It will also promote a stockier growth habit, which I personally find desirable. Hopefully, once the rain subsides, the plants will resume blooming.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike