Plant of the Month
May: Bougainvillea glabra Sanderiana May: Bougainvillea glabra Sanderiana

May: Bougainvillea glabra Sanderiana

This month's plant of the month, as selected by our friends at online garden centre, Crocus.co.uk, is the beautiful Bougainvillea glabra Sanderiana.

The highlight of this strong-growing evergreen climber is its magnificent clouds of magenta-pink floral bracts which appear from July to September. While it will thrive outside on a sunny patio during the summer months, it must be moved to a frost-free indoor spot, such as a conservatory or temperate greenhouse in autumn.

Bougainvilleas can last for over 50 years if given the correct care. They are very sensitive to cold temperatures though. The plants go dormant and lose their leaves and flowers at around 10°C, and temperatures much below this can be fatal! Once dormant, keep your Bougainvillea on the dry side until it comes back into growth. When it's growing well, feed weekly with a balanced liquid fertiliser and lightly prune to keep it bushy.

Position: Full sun
Soil: Loam-based potting compost
Rate of growth: Average
Flowering period: July to September
Flower colour: Magenta-pink
Hardiness: Tender
Garden care: Water moderately during the growing season and applying a balanced liquid fertiliser each month. Water sparingly during winter and re-pot or top-dress in spring.

To buy this plant, check out the Crocus website where you can buy a pyramid plant in a three-litre container for just £14.95 .
 
 
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