Bright pink clusters of blooms are enhanced by the vibrant variegated foliage. More of a shrub than a vine, ‘Pixie Queen’ is easily shaped and maintained as a potted plant. When grown in full sun it’s nearly a constant bloomer. Also, virtually thornless.
Pixie Queen is a variety of bougainvillea that features bright pink clusters of blooms enhanced by the vibrant variegated foliage. More of a shrub than a vine, it is easily shaped and maintained as a potted plant and is virtually thornless. When grown in full sun, Pixie Queen is nearly a constant bloomer.
Grows Perfectly in a Container
Bougainvillea can take full sun and heat without skipping a beat. However, it is sensitive when it comes to the roots and doesn’t like to have them disturbed. For best results, leave the plant in the grow pot when planting it. The best time to plant bougainvillea is in early summer.
Select an area that receives full sun, including the root area. In hot inland valleys, the plant can grow well in light shade. Bougainvillea has a shallow root system of no more than 10 to 12 inches with a slightly longer taproot, which means it may require pruning to maintain its upright posture.
Container potting mix tip: It’s worth the investment to choose a premium container potting mix with a loose texture and organic-based ingredients.
The Butterflies Flock to Pixie Queen
Hummingbirds and butterflies love Bougainvillea. The plant enlarges the buds next to the petals and dyes them into colors, which attract bees and butterflies and solve the plant’s reproduction problem. Pixie Queen usually produces three rounds of vibrant blooms in spring, summer, and autumn. If you don’t have growing space or live in a suitable climate, you can plant bougainvillea in a pot.
Keep Away From Frost
Bougainvillea is a relatively hardy plant, able to withstand a range of temperatures, from tropical highs of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and above, all the way down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the lowest temperature it can tolerate. Bougainvillea can be placed in the garden in summer but must be kept frost-free in winter. It will grow in a variety of soil types, and is highly drought-tolerant, but should be grown in full sun in acid soil to produce numerous colored bracts (similar to poinsettia or dogwood). If it receives too much shade and/or water, it will resist blooming.
Plant Habit: Shrub Life cycle: Perennial Sun Requirements: Full Sun, Full Sun to Partial Shade Water Preferences: Mesic Soil pH Preferences: Slightly acid (6.1 – 6.5), Neutral (6.6 – 7.3), Slightly alkaline (7.4 – 7.8)
Plant Height: 3 to 4 feet or more Plant Spread: 3 to 4 feet Leaves: Evergreen, Variegated, Other: Green and yellow variegation Flowers: Showy Other: it is in truth the flower bracts which are showy in vibrant colors Flower Color: Pink, White Bloom Size: Long cone shaped bracts up to 10” long. Flower Time: Summer, Late summer or early fall, Fall, Late fall or early winter, Winter Suitable Locations: Xeriscapic, Espalier Uses: Windbreak or Hedge, Cut Flower, Suitable as Annual Wildlife Attractant: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds Resistances: Deer Resistant, Humidity tolerant, Drought tolerant Propagation: Other methods: Cuttings: Stem, Cuttings: Tip Containers: Suitable in 3 gallon or larger, Suitable for hanging baskets, Needs excellent drainage in pots Miscellaneous:With thorns/spines/prickles/teeth
More Information Hardiness Zone 9, 10 Bloom Season Everbloomer Sun Requirement Full Sun Grows to 2-3′ Minimum Temperature Indoors 50
Cultural Information- Bougainvillea (boo-gan-VIL-lee-uh)
Light: Full sun, a southern exposure.
Temperature: Maintain temperatures above 50, 60 in winter if active growth is desired.
Humidity: Preferably 50% or higher; however, prefers high humidity.
Watering: Bring the soil to a state of visual dryness between watering. The best flowering occurs when the plants are brought to a slight wilt between waterings. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until a little water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Growing in a clay pot will help maintain a healthy root system.
Fertilizer: Fertilize with a balanced, soluble fertilizer like a 15-15- 15 every two weeks at ½ tsp of fertilizer per gallon of water. Reduce the frequency during the winter months, especially under cool temperatures.
Pruning: They can be pruned hard if growth is excessive. The best time is right after a flowering cycle is completed. On vining varieties, the selective pruning of stems to thin or reduce the size of the plant can maintain a flowering specimen.
Insects and Disease: They have susceptibility to aphids and at times mealy bugs, worms. They have little trouble with disease, only root rot from staying too wet.
Comments: Bougainvillea are easy to grow and flower if grown under maximum light and stressed with dryness. The increase and decrease in day length stimulates bud formation, which causes them to go into seasonal blooming cycles. However, under high light and dryness most varieties will stay in bloom continuously. All of our varieties have thorns, which can be removed at no harm to the plant.
Minimum Cold Hardiness: Zone 9a -6.7 °C (20 °F) to -3.9 °C (25 °F)
