The ‘Purple Princess’ Bougainvillea is an ornamental plant known for its brilliant, deep purple bracts, often mistaken for true flowers. These vibrant, papery structures surround small, inconspicuous actual flowers, creating a dazzling display. This variety offers vigorous growth in a more compact form than other bougainvillea types, making it suitable for various garden applications. Its prolific blooming and tropical aesthetic contribute to its widespread popularity.
Growing Conditions
‘Purple Princess’ Bougainvillea thrives in abundant sunlight, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sun exposure daily to produce its vibrant bracts. Insufficient light results in reduced flowering and primarily green foliage. Positioning the plant against a warm wall or in a corner provides additional warmth, benefiting its growth.
When watering, allow the soil to dry out well between applications, as bougainvillea prefers drier conditions and is drought-tolerant once established. Deep, infrequent watering encourages robust root development and promotes blooming. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fewer flowers, so reduce watering significantly during cooler winter months.
The plant performs best in well-draining, slightly acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Sandy or loamy soil types are well-suited for in-ground planting. For container-grown bougainvillea, a high-quality potting mix with added perlite or sand ensures aeration and prevents waterlogging.
Fertilizing supports healthy growth and prolific blooming, with a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus formula encouraging flower production over foliage. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 ratio, or a bloom-boosting variety like 10-20-10, can be applied every four to six weeks during the active growing season. Avoid fertilizing during winter dormancy, and ensure proper application to prevent over-fertilization, which hinders flowering.
‘Purple Princess’ Bougainvillea prefers warm climates, flourishing in temperatures between 65°F and 95°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, tolerating temperatures down to 30°F to 40°F. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40°F can cause leaf drop or plant damage, requiring protection in colder regions.
Planting and Placement
Selecting a key location for ‘Purple Princess’ Bougainvillea prioritizes full sun exposure. Protection from strong winds is beneficial, as the plant’s branches can be brittle. Consider its mature size and growth habit to ensure ample space without crowding other plants.
For in-ground planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 12 to 20 inches, incorporating compost to improve fertility and drainage. When transplanting, handle the root ball gently to minimize disturbance, as bougainvillea roots are delicate. After placing the plant, backfill the hole with soil, firming it around the root ball, then watering thoroughly to settle the soil.
Container planting offers flexibility, especially in colder climates for winter relocation. Choose a pot with drainage holes. While bougainvillea blooms well when slightly root-bound, ensure the container is large enough to accommodate some growth. A well-draining potting mix provides a suitable medium.
Given its vining nature, providing a support structure is beneficial for ‘Purple Princess’ Bougainvillea, even though it is a more compact variety. Trellises, arbors, fences, or walls can guide its growth. Since bougainvillea does not self-climb with tendrils, its stems need to be manually tied to the support.
Pruning for Health and Shape
Pruning is a key practice for ‘Purple Princess’ Bougainvillea, stimulating blooming and maintaining its desired size and shape. Regular trimming also improves air circulation within the plant, contributing to plant health. The plant produces flowers on new wood, so strategic pruning maximizes its colorful display.
The best time for major pruning is after a blooming cycle or during late winter to early spring, before new growth fully emerges. Throughout the summer, light trimming of spent bracts and leggy growth encourages continuous flowering and a tidier appearance. A final, compact pruning can be done in autumn for overwintering.
When pruning, use sharp, disinfected shears to make clean cuts, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Shape the plant by cutting back about one-third of the new growth to promote outward branching and a balanced form. Wear thick gardening gloves, as bougainvillea stems have sharp thorns.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
A common concern for bougainvillea owners is a lack of blooms, often due to insufficient sunlight or over-fertilization with nitrogen. If the plant receives too much nitrogen or too little sun, it produces lush green foliage at the expense of vibrant bracts. Adjusting light exposure and switching to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer rectifies this.
Leaf drop occurs due to environmental stressors like sudden temperature changes or improper watering. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause leaves to yellow and fall off. During seasonal transitions in late fall or winter, some leaf shedding is natural due to cooler temperatures or reduced light.
While resilient, ‘Purple Princess’ Bougainvillea may encounter pests like aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, or whiteflies. These are managed with applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil. Inspecting the plant regularly aids early detection and control.
Root rot is the primary disease concern, resulting from consistently wet soil conditions or poor drainage. Ensuring the plant is in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering are key preventative measures. Fungal issues like powdery mildew may occur, mitigated by improving air circulation around the plant.