Troubleshooting
Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' problems — and how to fix them
Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' (Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Loss of variegation
Insufficient light causes leaves to revert toward solid green; move to full sun and remove any fully green reverted shoots.
Few bracts
Overwatering or high-nitrogen feed; let it dry between waterings and use a bloom-boosting low-nitrogen fertiliser.
Leaf scorch on variegated margins
The pale leaf edges burn if the plant dries out severely in intense heat; keep pots from going bone-dry during heatwaves.
Frost damage
Tender to cold; protect or bring indoors below about 2°C and prune blackened growth in spring.
Prevent bougainvillea 'raspberry ice' problems before they start
Most bougainvillea 'raspberry ice' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for bougainvillea 'raspberry ice' in general rather than its problems? Read the full bougainvillea 'raspberry ice' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice' problems — FAQ
Why is my bougainvillea 'raspberry ice' loss of variegation?
Insufficient light causes leaves to revert toward solid green; move to full sun and remove any fully green reverted shoots.
Why is my bougainvillea 'raspberry ice' few bracts?
Overwatering or high-nitrogen feed; let it dry between waterings and use a bloom-boosting low-nitrogen fertiliser.
Why is my bougainvillea 'raspberry ice' leaf scorch on variegated margins?
The pale leaf edges burn if the plant dries out severely in intense heat; keep pots from going bone-dry during heatwaves.
Why is my bougainvillea 'raspberry ice' frost damage?
Tender to cold; protect or bring indoors below about 2°C and prune blackened growth in spring.