How to prune bougainvillea

After each bloom flush; hard prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut flowering stems back by one-third to one-half with clean, sharp secateurs after blooms fade. For the annual hard prune, reduce the overall framework by up to two-thirds, cutting just above an outward-facing bud. Wear gloves — stems carry sharp thorns.

Deadhead and light-trim after every bloom cycle; hard prune annually. Bougainvillea blooms on new growth, so regular pruning is essential to encourage flowering flushes. Pinch or cut back long, whippy stems after each bloom cycle. Hard prune once a year to maintain shape and stimulate vigorous flowering shoots. Remove dead, crossing, or inward-facing stems at any time.

Cut flowering stems back by one-third to one-half with clean, sharp secateurs after blooms fade. For the annual hard prune, reduce the overall framework by up to two-thirds, cutting just above an outward-facing bud. Wear gloves — stems carry sharp thorns.