I have an issue with my Bougainvillea's not blooming. I've read that bougainvillea require very dry conditions. The problem is my irrigation system is too close to provide these types of conditions. Can I put plastic garbage bags around the roots of the plant to prevent water from penetrating into root system?

JohnKaram

I doubt you would be successful in keeping your Bougs dry that way. I would either redirect the sprinklers, or move the plants.

I agree with Dutchlady! You could cap off the offending sprinkler head. I have one that is planted 2' from a queen palm that sucks up the water. That keeps the Bougainvilla blooming. Unfortunately, it also keeps the messy palm blooming too. Neither of them need as much as lawn needs.

Could you possibly replace the sprinkler heads near the bougies with adjustable ones, or maybe if they are full-circle, change then to 1/2 circle?

Also at this time of year with the weather cooling off, you could reduce the frequency of your irrigation so that the bougies have a chance to dry out between waterings? A nice, deep watering once a week is good practice for most plants at this time of year. If some things need extra, give them a drench with the hose.