Bougainvillea Damaged by Frost - Knowledgebase Question

Bruceton Mills, WV
Avatar for LAMB528
Question by LAMB528
February 27, 2000
I bought a bougainvillea and planted it in Brooksville, FL (zone 9). I thought it was perennial in FL. We had a cold snap and the leaves browned and died. Did I lose the plant or will it come back?


Image
Answer from NGA
February 27, 2000
Bougainvillea is a tropical plant, so it is frost tender. However, in my experience, they come back extremely well. Don't prune it even though it may look unsightly. The damaged leaves will protect the plant if there are further frosts. It helps to protect the plant with burlap, old sheets, or frost cloth if frost is predicted. When new growth starts to appear as temperatures warm, then trim back the dead material. Bougainvillea bloom best if slightly stressed for both water and fertilizer!

You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. Click here to join!

« Return to the Garden Knowledgebase Homepage

Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )