Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - June 29, 2009
From: Blackfoot, ID
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care for non-native bougainvillea in Blackfoot, ID
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
Can I plant Bougainvillea in Blackfoot, ID? I would like to plant it but am concerned about the harsh winter killing it off.ANSWER:
Bougainvillea is a plant native to Brazil which will not survive the winter outdoors in Idaho, but can be grown sucessfully indoors under the right conditions.
According to the University of Saskatchewan Extension service Bougainvilleas demand a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight and bright indirect light at other times. Without good light they will not flower and they may lose their leaves. They do well in normal room temperature. This can be lower in winter but never below 10C.
Water moderately during their period of active growth (spring through fall), allowing the upper 2.5 cm (i in.) of soil to dry out between waterings but never the entire root ball. If they become too dry they will shed their leaves. They will need less water in winter and should have good drainage at all times.
Pot in a loam-based media with added peat moss. They can be repotted each spring up to a maximum of a 20 cm (8 in.) pot, after which they should be top dressed annually with the same type of potting mixture.
Fertilize them every 2 weeks during their period of active growth with a complete soluble houseplant fertilizer with micronutrients (such as 20-20-20). Follow the label directions.
Personal experience tells me that the trick to success with this plant indoors is a bright location which is cooler than room temperature in the wintertime (50's and 60's) but not below freezing.
More Non-Natives Questions
Alternatives for non-native Bradford Pear
November 27, 2006 - Hi,
can you please give me some information about the "bradford flowering pear"? I live in Hutto,Tx. I want to know if this is a good tree to plant. What are the benefits of choosing this tree and...
view the full question and answer
Seeds for India from Guilderland NY
August 15, 2010 - I have Green Cross “Non Profitable” trust in TamilNadu India.
We are looking for free seeds from Government and other NGO foundations. Moto: Global Vowing awareness program and our volunteers help ...
view the full question and answer
Will non-native hostas do well in South Carolina from Seneca SC
May 20, 2013 - I am moving to SC from CT and want to bring some of the hostas I grow in CT. If I plant them in the shade in SC, will they do well down there?
view the full question and answer
Red pods on Canna Lilies from Windsor VA
July 21, 2013 - What are the dark red pods on my canna lilies?
view the full question and answer
Non-native Silver lace vine invasive from Ft. Davis TX
July 29, 2011 - Is silver lace vine invasive?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |