Bougainvillea Is A Different Color: Why Did My Bougainvillea Turn Colors
A color-changing bougainvillea in your garden may be a neat trick. In some cases, though, the original color is what you were after and may even transition into something you don’t like as much. For instance, some people report their pretty, bright pink bougainvillea transitioning to a dirty, rust red. What does this mean, and can you do anything about it?
About Bougainvillea Colors
First, note that the flowers you describe on bougainvillea are actually bracts, not petals. The true flowers are tucked inside these leaf-like structures that come in bright colors. The bract color for bougainvillea may come in various shades of pink, red, purple, yellow, and white. Yes, they can also change color without warning.
Why Did My Bougainvillea Turn Colors?
There are a number of reasons that could explain why your bougainvillea changed color. Unfortunately, you may not be able to pinpoint the exact one or make any adjustments to get the color you prefer.
If your bougainvillea is a different color from when you bought it at a nursery, it may be a result of cross-breeding. The cultivars on sale in most nurseries and garden centers can change color because of complex and variable genetics. They may develop spots, new colors on one or a few branches, or on the entire plant.
Other reasons for color changes are simply different environmental conditions. The conditions for a potted plant in the nursery are regulated and tightly controlled. In your yard, differences in temperature, soil type and alkalinity, light exposure, and water can alter the colors.
It’s most often not possible to change a bougainvillea back to the original color. However, you can try changing conditions to see if it triggers a shift in color. The healthiest conditions for bougainvillea are slightly acidic soil that is moist but drains well, indirect light, and warm temperatures.
If you buy a potted bougainvillea, the best way to preserve the color is to maintain the same conditions. Keep it in the pot and water regularly. Provide indirect light and bring the plant inside when it is too cold. Ideally, the conditions and environment should remain stable for a happy, thriving bougainvillea.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.
-
5 Low-Maintenance Plants & Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning To Look Their Best
By Teo Spengler
-
6 Fall Lawn Care Tasks To Prioritize Before Winter – Plus When To Make The Last Cut
Use our guide to prepare your lawn for its winter slumber, and it will awaken in spring with lush, verdant grass you can be proud of.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Mini Bougainvillea Care: How To Grow A Dwarf Bougainvillea Plant
If you love bougainvillea but don’t want a huge, out-of-control vine rambling amok, try growing miniature or dwarf bougainvilleas. What’s a mini bougainvillea? There are several varieties that, with pruning, can be grown as a low growing shrub. Learn more here.
By Amy Grant
-
Creating Bougainvillea Bonsai Plants: How To Make A Bougainvillea Bonsai Tree
Meet bonsai bougainvillea plants, bite-sized versions of this mighty vine that you can keep in your living room. Can you make a bonsai out of bougainvillea? You can. Click here for info on how to make a bougainvillea bonsai and tips on bonsai bougainvillea care.
By Teo Spengler
-
Bougainvillea Pruning: When Should I Prune A Bougainvillea
Whether grown as an indoor or outdoor tropical vine, pruning a bougainvillea may seem like a daunting task, especially if you have the more common thorny types. Click on the article that follows to learn how to prune bougainvillea.
By Darcy Larum
-
Bougainvillea Winter Care: What To Do With A Bougainvillea In Winter
In warm regions, bougainvillea blooms almost year-round and thrives outdoors. However, northern gardeners will have a bit more work to keep this plant alive and happy during winter. This article will help with tips on providing good bougainvillea winter care.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Bougainvillea Care – How To Grow A Bougainvillea In The Garden
Growing bougainvillea in gardens requires some effort, but many think that these tropical and subtropical woody vines are worth it. Click this article for information about how to grow a bougainvillea plant in the garden landscape.
By Teo Spengler
-
Propagation Of Bougainvillea – Learn How To Propagate Bougainvillea Plants
How do you go about propagating bougainvillea seeds and cuttings? Click on the following article to learn more about bougainvillea propagation methods, including growing bougainvillea from a cutting and seeds.
By Liz Baessler
-
Bougainvillea Blooms Are Falling Off: Reasons For Bougainvillea Flower Drop
If your bougainvillea blooms are falling off, the odds are that the plant is not getting one of these critical elements: sun and water. Blossoms also suffer from frost. Learn more details about why flowers drop off bougainvillea plants in this article.
By Teo Spengler
-
Bougainvillea Not Blooming: How To Get Bougainvillea To Flower
Bougainvilleas are beautiful, wild things that can produce a flurry of breathtaking blooms or a season of crushing disappointment. It?s up to you if your bougainvillea will bloom this coming season, but we can show you the path to success here.
By Kristi Waterworth