Growing Bougainvillea and Plumeria in
Florida
Q:
I have recently moved from New Jersey to Florida (Orlando
area) and I am so excited to start my own Tropical
Paradise Garden! A few years ago I visited Hawaii and saw
many beautiful colorful Bougainvilleas as well as fragrant
Frangipani. Do they grow well in Florida? These are
flowers of my dream!
A:
Both Bougainvillea and Plumeria grow well in most
parts of Florida, especially South and Southwest.
Bougainvillea can tolerate some light freeze and can be
seen in the streets of Central Florida (young plants
require some cold protection for the first year), so it is
a very good candidate for your new garden. Keep in mind
that unlike in Hawaii, where they bloom year around,
Bougainvilleas tend to have a distinctive flowering season
which in Florida is winter time - these plants enjoy dry
weather that triggers their bloom. To enjoy Bright
bougainvillea flowers for a long time, apply balanced fertilizer, prune
regularly (this promotes flowering on new growth) and keep
established plants on a dry side. Dwarf cultivar Pixie is super compact and
can be grown in pots or in a small garden without any
pruning! See photo of Pixie on the left.
Plumerias, all-time perfume
favorites and symbols of Hawaii, are also residents of
many gardens and collections throughout state of Florida.
Their cold hardiness is close to the one of Bougainvillea,
however keep young plants protected from frost. There are
also many new exciting cultivars including multiple
"rainbow" colors, and several dwarf varieties, some of
them are evergreen - Plumeria obtusa. Plumerias
are very undemanding and can stay happy and blooming in a
pot and without regular watering. Give them as much sun as
possible, and enjoy the fragrance for many months!
