Why Bougainvilleas Burst Into Bloom in Florida’s Winter

Bougainvilleas—whether the vibrant ‘Barbara Karst’, the rich purple ‘New River’, or the beautifully variegated ‘Imperial Delight’—are some of the most dramatic, color-filled plants you can add to a Florida landscape. Their delicate, paper-like bracts cascade over fences, walls, pergolas, or containers, transforming ordinary spaces into tropical displays. But many are surprised to learn that these spectacular plants reach their peak performance in the winter. The secret lies in the way bougainvilleas grow, and in Florida’s unique seasonal rhythm.

A Tropical Traveler: Where Bougainvilleas Come From

Bougainvilleas originate in the warm, dry regions of South America, especially Brazil, Peru, and Argentina. French botanist Philibert Commerson first described them in the 1760s during an expedition led by explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville—hence the name. In their native range, they evolved in intense sun, with sporadic rainfall and nutrient-light soils. These natural conditions shaped their strong preference for bright light and occasional drought.

Why Bougainvilleas Bloom Best in Florida’s Winter

Florida’s winter climate mimics the dry-season conditions bougainvilleas love:

• Winter is Florida’s driest season, and bougainvilleas bloom most heavily when their roots are not constantly moist.

• Shorter days and cooler temperatures help trigger blooming.

• Lower humidity and abundant sunlight encourage more abundant bract production.

When water levels drop and sunshine stays steady—our typical winter pattern—bougainvilleas naturally shift energy from leaf growth toward flowering, producing their most dramatic displays.

Bougainvillea 'Imperial Delight' with striking winter blooms - variegated bracts dark pink, light pink, and almost white.

Sunlight Needs: Let the Light Pour In

Bougainvilleas require full sun to bloom well:

• Aim for 6–8+ hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Less sun = fewer blooms and more leafy, green growth.

• Full sun helps the plant maintain a compact, floriferous form.

Water Requirements: Less Is More

The biggest mistake gardeners make is overwatering. To keep your bougainvillea thriving:

• Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

• Avoid routine, shallow irrigation—deep but infrequent watering is best.

• Ensure containers drain very well to prevent root rot.

Shrub, Vine, or Tree? Bougainvilleas Are Wonderfully Versatile

With proper care and pruning, bougainvilleas can take on several different forms:

As Vines

• Their natural growth habit, perfect for fences, pergolas, trellises, or arbors.

• Can be trained to climb or spill gracefully over structures.

As Shrubs

• With regular trimming, they become dense, bushy plants.

• Great for hedges, borders, and foundation accents.

• Prune lightly after bloom cycles to shape without sacrificing flowers.

As Standards (“Bougainvillea Trees”)

• Formed by training a single trunk and shaping a canopy at the top.

• Stunning in containers or as focal points in the landscape.

• Require a bit of maintenance but make a striking statement.

Bougainvillea 'New River' with purple blooms on a trellis, in vine form.

Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst' in a standard 'tree' form.

Thornless Bougainvillea 'Miss Alice' with its papery white bracts in a small 3G potted shrub.

Close-up image of Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst' foliage.

Caring for Bougainvilleas in Florida: Quick Tips

• Soil: Choose well-drained soil or amend with sand/perlite for better drainage.

• Fertilizer: Use bloom-boosting, low-nitrogen fertilizers; too much nitrogen promotes leaves over flowers.

• Cold Protection: Bougainvilleas may defoliate in a light frost but usually recover well. Protect young plants during cold snaps.

• Pruning: After a bloom cycle is the best time. Light shaping throughout the year keeps them manageable.

Bougainvilleas reward those who understand their simple formula for success: lots of sun, lean soil, and just the right amount of dryness. Florida’s naturally dry winters give them exactly what they need to produce those breathtaking waves of color. Whether trained as vines, maintained as shrubs, or shaped into elegant standards, bougainvillea can bring year-round beauty to your landscape.

Bring Home the Color — Shop Bougainvilleas at Sky’s Farm & Garden

Ready to add vibrant, year-round beauty to your landscape? At Sky’s Farm & Garden, we grow healthy, Florida-acclimated bougainvilleas right here at our nursery. Whether you’re looking for a cascading vine, a bold shrub, or a show-stopping bougainvillea tree, we have the perfect plant waiting for you.

Visit Sky’s Farm & Garden today to bring home the bougainvillea that fits your project and your style. Come see the color for yourself!