Having looked at the care instructions for this plant I would like to question the fact that it has to be brought indoors to overwinter. I want to establish one in my container garden. I was a bit daunted at the thought of the frost killing it off but I then got to thinking , they have frost and pretty cold winters in Madrid, if they can tolerate it there then I am sure one would be allright in my rather well sheltered yard. Any thoughts out there?
Hi, pip. We've just been having a discussion regarding Bougainvillea ... http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=000310 As to your question regarding hardiness, personally I would not think it would survive outdoors in Lancashire. We couldn't keep them in Buckinghamshire. except in conservatories. We took can have frost, albeit light, and Bougainvillea can take some frost. The difference between Portugal, Spain and the UK is that here on the Iberian Peninsula we have long hot summers and short milder winters. You could try it if you have a sheltered position that is a suntrap but I would protect the base in the winter and be prepared to lose the top, which is okay as they "bloom" on new wood. If you do, good luck!
Good luck, pip. The thing I forgot to mention is that it will take your plant several years to settle in. It does here and I can't see where it would be any different there ... that is why I only have the one blooming. It's because it's been in the ground for five years plus. I'll say keep us posted, but five years is a long time ....
Five years is a long time Lady of Leisure :( but it will be more than worth it if I can get it to set in
