Bougainvillea Trellis Care: A Sarasota Gardening Favorite
Updated for 2025
Looking to add a bold splash of color to your garden or patio? Bougainvillea Trellis is a vibrant and vigorous flowering vine that loves Sarasotaโs sunshine. At Troyโs Tropics, we carry a wide range of bougainvillea in stunning hues like pink, red, white, orange, and purpleโperfect for bringing the tropics home.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing, caring for, and enjoying bougainvillea in our Florida-friendly climate.
Why Bougainvillea Belongs in Your Florida Garden
Native to South America, bougainvillea is known for its bright, papery flowers and ability to thrive in warm climates. Itโs fast-growing, drought-tolerant once established, and works beautifully on trellises, fences, and even in pots.
In Sarasota County, itโs especially popular for brightening up entryways, lanais, and outdoor living spaces with color that lasts most of the year.
How to Grow Bougainvillea in the Ground
- Choose a sunny spot โ At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal.
- Ensure good drainage โ Avoid areas where water tends to pool.
- Dig a proper hole โ Twice as wide as the root ball and equally deep.
- Loosen the roots โ Especially if the plant has been in a container for a while.
- Plant and water well โ Fill the hole, pat the soil, and water thoroughly.
Tip: Add a trellis at planting time to train the vine early.
Growing Bougainvillea in Pots
Bougainvillea also does well in containersโperfect for patios and smaller spaces.
- Choose the right pot โ Slightly larger than the root ball, with drainage holes.
- Use quality soil โ A well-draining potting mix and slow-release fertilizer work best.
- Plant with care โ Donโt over-pack the soil; ensure proper drainage.
- Water properly โ Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Place your pot where it gets full sun, ideally morning to early afternoon light.
Helping Bougainvillea Bloom
To encourage consistent blooming:
- Ensure 6+ hours of sunlight daily
- Use a balanced or bloom-enhancing fertilizer
- Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering
- Avoid heavy pruning during bloom cycles
The best time to plant is late spring to early summer, when soil temperatures are ideal for root development.
See what is in bloom and on-sale!
How Fast Does Bougainvillea Grow?
Very fast! In the Sarasota area, bougainvillea vines can grow over 30 inches per year. How wide or tall it gets depends on how you train itโon a trellis, as a groundcover, or pruned into a shrub-like shape.
Pruning for Health and More Flowers
Regular pruning helps keep your plant tidy and encourages more blooms. Hereโs how:
- Trim dead or damaged branches with clean cuts
- Cut back long or leggy stems to encourage fuller growth
- Remove faded blooms and excess foliage
- Shape the plant in winter before the spring growing season
Always wear glovesโthose thorns can sneak up on you!
Is Bougainvillea Safe for Pets and People?
Bougainvillea is not considered toxic to pets like dogs or cats, but its sap may cause mild skin or eye irritation. If youโre sensitive to plants or pollen, be sure to wear gloves when pruning and wash hands afterward.
Also keep in mind: fertilizers and potting mixes can be more hazardous to pets than the plant itself. Always keep those out of reach.
Ready to Add Bougainvillea to Your Garden?
Bougainvillea offers bold color, easy maintenance, and tons of personalityโwhether youโre growing it on a trellis, in a pot, or as a show-stopping fence climber.
Pair it with any of our โก๏ธย Top 5 Flowering Shrubs for a Bold and Colorful Florida Summer Garden!
Come visit us at Troyโs Tropics,ย 5224 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233 and 4151 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233 to explore our current bougainvillea selection and get help from our friendly team. Weโll help you pick the perfect plant and even set you up with pots, trellises, and staging tips.
