Bougainvilleas are such impressive and exotic vines that it’s no wonder you might want to propagate an existing plant or that of a friend or neighbor. Even when winters are too harsh for them, the possibility of container growing makes them a desirable option.
The colorful climbing plants are evergreen, flower profusely and once established are not difficult to care for provided you familiarize yourself with bougainvillea care and growth. And if enjoying those garden stars makes you want to achieve more, then you can.
In this guide, we detail the two ways you can propagate bougainvillea to create additional plants with advice from gardening professionals.
2 ways to propagate bougainvillea
(Image credit: Cliff Nichols/Getty Images)
Taking plant cuttings is one way you can propagate bougainvillea. “Clippings, whether semi-mature cuttings or hardwood cuttings, are the most common way to propagate plants,” he says. H&GGardening expert Drew Swainston. “It may take several months for these roots to take root, although you can speed up the process by providing a good amount of heat to the roots.”
The second way? Layering – An alternative you can try if you are willing to wait a while. These are the details about both methods of propagating bougainvillea.
Drew qualified as a journalist before studying for a qualification in horticulture, after which he worked as a professional gardener for several years, specializing in kitchen gardening. He now brings his experience and passion to… Houses and gardens As a member of our team.
Propagate bougainvillea by taking cuttings
Taking semi-mature cuttings can be the most direct way to propagate bougainvillea. Doing this from your plant is uncomplicated or you may be able to ask a good friend or neighbor if you can take cuttings from their vine if you fall for their magic. Take a cutting in the summer and follow these steps.
- Wearing gloves to avoid vine thorns and using sharp, clean pruning shears, cut 4 to 6 inches off a stem that is firm at the bottom but has a smooth tip. Placed in a plastic bag.
- Prepare the cutting by first removing any side shoots.
- Cut a thin piece of bark about a half-inch long from one side of the trunk at its base to make a wound. This helps with rooting.
- Remove the lower leaves and soft tips. About four or five leaves should remain at the top of the stem.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder. Click on the excess.
- Add to the pot and water mixture. Keep them in heated lawns or place a plastic bag over them for a greenhouse effect and place them in a warm, bright place but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist.
- Cuttings may take four to six weeks to root — or longer. Wait for it to develop some leaves and new growth, then remove it from the propagator or remove the bag. Harden off for two or three weeks before planting.
When using this bougainvillea propagation method, keep in mind that it is worth taking several cuttings to increase the chances of success.
Propagation of bougainvillea by layering
Layering is an alternative way to create new bougainvillea plants from an already thriving plant in your garden. It’s a technique you should use in the spring. Here’s what to do from garden writer Graham Rice.
- Locate the tip of a branch growing near the soil level.
- About 6 to 9 inches from the tip, remove weeds, if any, or any mulch where the shoot touches the ground.
- Remove soil until the bottom of the shoot touches the soil about an inch deep. Cover it with soil and secure it with your hand
- Place a large stone or brick on top of the buried shoot.
- Wait until fall when the sprouts have roots and there should be new growth at the tip.
- Follow the shoot from the tip back beyond the rooting point. Cut off. Dig up the rooted portion and plant it in the exact location of the new bougainvillea plant.
common questions
Can you grow bougainvillea from seed?
It is possible to grow bougainvillea from seed, although using cuttings is the most common propagation method. You’ll need to look for seed pods on a mature plant in the fall. Keep in mind that bougainvillea’s true flowers are small and white and that the color comes from their bracts—locate the seed pods within the flowers. Collect the pods and dry them. Seeds can be germinated from the pods in seed compost. You will need to warm them with a hot diffuser or keep them in plastic bags, and it may take some time to do this.
Bougainvillea are impressive climbers and you may want to add more to your garden. “The main benefit of propagating bougainvillea through cuttings is saving money,” he says. H&GDrew Swainston. “This represents a cheaper option to get more plants rather than buying them from the garden center. Although getting new plants can be a long and stressful road, not only do you save money, but you can also feel very satisfied knowing that you have propagated Your bougainvillea.’