How to prune peruvian bougainvillea

After each flowering flush; harder annual prune in late winter/early spring. After blooming, cut flowered laterals back by one-third to a strong bud. In late winter, remove dead, crossing, or weak stems entirely and shorten the overall framework by up to half to encourage bushy new growth. Always wear thick gloves.

After each bloom flush (2–3 times a year) plus one annual shaping. Yes, pruning is important — bougainvillea blooms on new growth, so removing spent flushes and thinning congested stems triggers fresh flowering. Wear gloves; thorns are sharp. After each main flowering flush, cut back flowered stems by one-third. An annual harder prune in late winter or early spring shapes the plant and reinvigorates it before the growing season.

After blooming, cut flowered laterals back by one-third to a strong bud. In late winter, remove dead, crossing, or weak stems entirely and shorten the overall framework by up to half to encourage bushy new growth. Always wear thick gloves.