How to train Bougainville plants?

vickilee211

Morning Bunnings Community 

Does anyone have ideas on the best way to train 2 X pots,  each having 2 different types ( colour's ) of the plant 🪴,  each plant approx 12-15 inch,  to climb up 

1. Brick wall underneath the bay window, and

2. Around the post on the front verandah to eventually climb and cover post? 

I'm planting in pots as hubby has already been negative about the spikes and their ability to scratch as you pass them,  in particular him when mowing or edging lawn. Oh well, price you pay for beauty! 

I've wanted bougainvillea since I saw a friend's home covered in pink 

one's in the late 80's .

Do you need a special type of tie or growing type of lattice etc? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks Vicki 

 no 1. Under bay window 

   No 2 verandah pole 

MitchellMc

Hi @vickilee211,

To train them, you'll want to gently guide the stems in the direction you want them to grow and secure them as they get longer. For the brick wall under your bay window, you might consider installing a trellis, wire grid, or some screw-in eyelets with wire rope strung between them. That will give the plants something to attach to as they climb.

Around the post on your verandah, you can loosely tie the stems using soft ties like garden tie wire, cloth strips, or velcro plant ties, which are all gentle enough not to damage the stems. Bougainvillea can get quite woody and heavy over time, so use something sturdy that won’t cut into them as they thicken.

Since you're growing them in pots, just make sure they're in a really well-draining potting mix.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell