Bougainvillea Butterfly Variegated

Size: Single Plant | 4″ Pot Included

Bougainvillea ‘Butterfly Variegated’ is a beautiful and popular variety of bougainvillea known for its unique variegated foliage and vibrant blooms. Here’s a guide to help you care for your Bougainvillea ‘Butterfly Variegated’:

1. Light:

• Full sun lover: Bougainvilleas thrive in full sun and need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom profusely. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or on your balcony where it can receive ample sunlight.   

2. Soil:

• Well-draining soil is key: Bougainvilleas prefer well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal. You can also use a potting mix specifically designed for bougainvilleas or a mix of regular potting soil with some sand or perlite to improve drainage.   

3. Watering:

• Water deeply but infrequently: Water your bougainvillea deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.   
• Reduce watering in winter: During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows down.   

4. Fertilizing:

• Feed regularly during the growing season: Bougainvilleas are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer or a fertilizer specifically formulated for bougainvilleas.   
• Avoid over-fertilizing: Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.  

5. Pruning:

• Prune to maintain shape and encourage blooms: Prune your bougainvillea after the main blooming period to maintain its shape and encourage new growth, which will produce more blooms.   
• Remove dead or crossing branches: Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and promote healthy growth.   

6. Support:

• Provide support for climbing varieties: If you’re growing a climbing variety of Bougainvillea ‘Butterfly Variegated’, provide a support structure such as a trellis, fence, or wall for it to climb on.   

7. Temperature:

• Prefers warm climates: Bougainvilleas thrive in warm climates and are not frost-tolerant. If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to bring your bougainvillea indoors or provide frost protection.   

8. Pests and Diseases:

• Watch out for common pests: Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Prevent root rot: Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot, which is a common problem for bougainvilleas.   

Additional Tips:

• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.   
• Pinching: Pinch back the tips of new growth to encourage branching and a bushier plant.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers.   

By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Bougainvillea ‘Butterfly Variegated’ in your garden or home for many years to come.