How to Feed Bougainvillea

Feeding bougainvillea correctly is the secret to turning a leafy vine into a mass of vibrant colour. This plant has simple needs but responds dramatically to balanced nutrition. The right fertiliser, applied at the right time, not only strengthens roots and leaves but also triggers the repeated flowering cycles bougainvillea is famous for. Without feeding, plants often stay green and leafy but fail to produce the colourful bracts that make them stand out.

Feeding Requirements and Nutrient Balance

Bougainvillea is a fast-growing climber that uses a lot of energy to push out new stems and flowering bracts. This constant growth makes it a heavy feeder, especially in pots where nutrients leach away quickly. Fertiliser is not optional — it is essential if you want consistent colour.

Key nutrients:

Nitrogen (N): Supports leaf development, but too much causes excess foliage and weak flowering.
Phosphorus (P): Promotes strong roots and healthy shoot growth, helping the plant recover after pruning.
Potassium (K): The most important element for flowering. It enhances colour intensity and keeps blooms lasting longer.

The best fertiliser choice is a balanced formula like NPK 20-20-20, which delivers all three macronutrients evenly. This balance ensures bougainvillea stays healthy without tipping into leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

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How to Feed Bougainvillea for More Flowers

Bougainvillea flowers only when the balance of light, water, and nutrients is right. Feeding correctly is a big part of this balance. Here’s how to get it right:

Feeding routine:

Apply liquid fertiliser every 3–4 weeks in garden beds.
In pots, feed every 2–3 weeks as nutrients wash out faster.
Dilute fertiliser at 4ml per litre of water for safe, steady application.

Feeding method: Always water the plant first, then apply fertiliser solution. This prevents fertiliser burn and helps nutrients soak through evenly. During active growth in spring and summer, regular feeding directly supports repeat flowering cycles.

Sunlight link: Even with perfect feeding, bougainvillea won’t flower without at least six hours of sun daily. Fertiliser provides the fuel, but sunlight provides the energy to convert it into blooms.

Pruning link: Bougainvillea flowers on new growth. Pruning after each bloom cycle, combined with feeding, encourages the plant to push out fresh shoots that will produce the next flush of colour.

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Fertiliser Tips, Common Mistakes, and FAQs

The biggest mistake with bougainvillea feeding is overdoing nitrogen. This leads to strong green leaves but poor flowering. The opposite mistake is neglecting feeding altogether, which produces weak growth and few bracts. The goal is steady, balanced nutrition.

Best product: CompleteGrow’s All Purpose Plant Liquid Fertiliser (NPK 20-20-20) is an ideal option. At 4ml per litre, it provides a precise nutrient balance to encourage both foliage health and brilliant flowering. It works for both garden and container-grown bougainvillea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I feed bougainvillea?
Every 3–4 weeks in the ground, and every 2–3 weeks in pots, during the growing season.

What fertiliser makes bougainvillea flower?
A balanced fertiliser such as NPK 20-20-20 ensures the right mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Potassium in particular is vital for abundant bracts.

Should I feed bougainvillea after pruning?
Yes. Pruning triggers new growth, and feeding ensures those fresh shoots develop quickly into flowering stems.

Can I overfeed bougainvillea?
Yes. Overfeeding with nitrogen results in lots of leaves but few flowers. Stick to correct dilution — 4ml per litre — and apply steadily instead of heavily.