Overwintering bougainvillea
Bougainvillea glabra
Quick answer
Bring bougainvillea in before the first frost, ideally once nights regularly drop below about 7 °C (45 °F). The ideal spot is bright with night temperatures of at least 10 °C (50 °F), so it keeps most of its leaves. Cooler but frost free, it usually survives with heavy leaf drop. Water rarely but thoroughly and don’t feed.
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Overwintering bougainvillea
2 to 10 °C (36–50 °F)
- 01
When to bring bougainvillea in
Bougainvillea is tropical. Bring it in before the first frost, even a light one, ideally once nights regularly drop below about 7 °C (45 °F). Inspect it carefully for pests before you move it.
- 02
Where: bright and not too cool
The best spot is bright with night temperatures of at least 10 °C (50 °F): a cool bright room, a conservatory or a large window. That way it keeps most of its leaves.
The Saxony state horticulture office also allows a bright, frost-free spot at 2 to 10 °C (36–50 °F). There it drops many leaves. That looks sad, but it usually regrows in spring.
- 03
Watering and feeding in winter
Water rarely but thoroughly, letting the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil dry first. Don’t let the root ball dry out completely, though soggy soil is worse.
Stop feeding from autumn.
- 04
Pests in winter quarters
Indoors, whitefly, mealybugs, aphids and spider mites can show up. Check under the leaves and the shoot tips regularly.
- 05
Pruning before and after winter
Trim long shoots so it fits. Do the main pruning in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts.
- 06
When it can go back outside
Only once nights stay warm, usually from late May. Give it a few days in a sheltered, lightly shaded spot to adjust to the sun.
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Common mistakes
Too much water: in winter soggy soil harms it more than dryness.
Too dark: without light it drops leaves even when it is warm enough.
Out too early: cold May nights set it back.
Common questions
How cold can bougainvillea get in winter?
Ideally not below 10 °C (50 °F) at night, so it keeps its leaves. Cooler but frost free, it usually survives with heavy leaf drop.
Why is my bougainvillea losing leaves in winter?
Usually it’s too cool or too dark. Keep the soil on the dry side and it will regrow in spring.
When should I prune bougainvillea?
In late winter or early spring, just before new growth. Trimming long shoots before bringing it in is fine.
When can bougainvillea go back outside?
Once nights stay warm, usually from late May, after a few days of adjusting.
All Bougainvillea guides
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