Troubleshooting
Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red' problems — and how to fix them
Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red' (Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red') 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.
Poor bract colour
Too much shade, water, or nitrogen; relocate to full sun, dry it out between waterings, and use a bloom-focused feed.
Leaf and bract drop after a move
Bougainvilleas hate disturbance and cold draughts; keep them in a stable, warm, bright spot and avoid repotting in flower.
Frost dieback
Tender to frost; protect or move containers indoors when temperatures approach freezing, then prune out blackened stems in spring.
Fungal leaf spot
Wet foliage and crowded growth cause spotting; improve airflow, water at the base, and remove affected leaves.
Prevent bougainvillea 'san diego red' problems before they start
Most bougainvillea 'san diego red' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for bougainvillea 'san diego red' in general rather than its problems? Read the full bougainvillea 'san diego red' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red' problems — FAQ
Why is my bougainvillea 'san diego red' poor bract colour?
Too much shade, water, or nitrogen; relocate to full sun, dry it out between waterings, and use a bloom-focused feed.
Why is my bougainvillea 'san diego red' leaf and bract drop after a move?
Bougainvilleas hate disturbance and cold draughts; keep them in a stable, warm, bright spot and avoid repotting in flower.
Why is my bougainvillea 'san diego red' frost dieback?
Tender to frost; protect or move containers indoors when temperatures approach freezing, then prune out blackened stems in spring.
Why is my bougainvillea 'san diego red' fungal leaf spot?
Wet foliage and crowded growth cause spotting; improve airflow, water at the base, and remove affected leaves.