How to Get Bougainvillea to Flower More

Bougainvillea is famous for its bursts of colour, but sometimes it produces plenty of leaves with very few flowers. Getting more flowers is possible when the right balance of sunlight, water, pruning, and fertiliser is provided. By adjusting these conditions, bougainvillea can bloom multiple times a year, covering itself in vibrant bracts that last for weeks at a time.

Sunlight, Watering, and Growing Conditions

Bougainvillea will only flower heavily if grown in the right environment. The most important factor is sunlight. Without at least six hours of direct sun each day, the plant simply won’t produce enough energy for repeat flowering.

Sunlight: Position bougainvillea in the brightest spot available. North- or west-facing walls, fences, or trellises work best. Plants in shade will stay green but produce few or no blooms.

Watering: Bougainvillea thrives on deep but infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, as constantly wet soil encourages leaves rather than flowers. In pots, water every 2–3 days in summer and once a week in cooler months.

Soil: Free-draining soil is essential. Compacted or waterlogged soils weaken the roots and reduce flower production. Adding coarse sand or perlite improves drainage in heavy mixes.

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Pruning and Fertiliser for More Flowers

Flowering is directly linked to how bougainvillea is pruned and fed. The plant only blooms on new growth, so pruning is essential for repeat cycles. After each flowering flush, trim stems back by one-third to encourage fresh shoots, which will carry the next blooms.

Fertiliser strategy:

Balanced feeding: A liquid NPK 20-20-20 fertiliser keeps roots, stems, and leaves healthy, creating a strong base for flowering.
Flower booster: Switching to a high-potassium formula like NPK 4-18-38 + Calcium & Magnesium increases bract colour, size, and flowering frequency.
Routine: Feed every 3–4 weeks in the garden, or every 2–3 weeks in pots where nutrients wash out quickly. Always dilute correctly at 4ml per litre of water.

Feeding combined with pruning creates the perfect cycle: cut back old stems, feed with the right fertiliser, and watch as new shoots burst into colour.

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Blooming Tips, Mistakes, and FAQs

The main reason bougainvillea fails to flower is too much nitrogen, which produces leafy growth instead of bracts. Overwatering is another common mistake. Keeping the soil slightly dry and using a fertiliser with high potassium ensures the plant channels its energy into flowers rather than leaves.

CompleteGrow’s All Purpose Plant Liquid Fertiliser (NPK 20-20-20) is excellent for steady growth, while the Advanced Formula NPK 4-18-38 + Calcium & Magnesium is the go-to choice when you want more flowers and stronger colour. Used together across the year, they create the perfect feeding cycle for long-lasting displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my bougainvillea produce more flowers?
Give it at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, prune after each flowering flush, and use a fertiliser with balanced nutrients and extra potassium.

What fertiliser increases flowers on bougainvillea?
Balanced NPK 20-20-20 supports general health, while CompleteGrow’s Advanced Formula 4-18-38 + CaMg boosts bract colour and repeat flowering.

Why does my bougainvillea only grow leaves?
This usually means too much nitrogen, not enough sunlight, or overwatering. Adjust conditions and use a fertiliser with higher potassium.

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