Where to Buy a Bougainvillea Plant for Your Garden

Bougainvillea plants are one of the most vibrant and colorful vines you can grow With their lush green foliage and brightly colored bracts in shades of pink, purple, orange, red, yellow, and white, they make a gorgeous addition to gardens, patios, decks, and more. If you’re looking to add a touch of the tropics to your outdoor space, you may be wondering where you can buy a bougainvillea plant Fortunately, with the plant’s popularity, bougainvilleas are widely available from garden centers, nurseries, and online retailers.

Buying Bougainvillea Plants at Local Stores

One of the easiest ways to find bougainvillea plants is to check your local garden stores and nurseries, Most independent garden centers and nurseries will carry a selection of bougainvillea varieties in the spring and summer months The benefit of shopping for plants in-person is that you can see the exact plant you’ll be purchasing and check for signs of health and good growth, Reputable local stores also employ experienced staff who can answer questions and make recommendations on choosing the best bougainvillea variety for your needs

Some top retailers to look for bougainvillea plants include:

• Local garden centers and nurseries – Check independent stores and small chains in your area. Many focus on serving their local community and stock plants suited to their region.

• Home improvement stores – Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have garden centers that sell popular annuals and perennials like bougainvillea. Selection varies by location.

• Farmer’s markets – Look for vendors at local farmer’s markets selling plants and flowers. These are often small, specialty growers.

When buying a bougainvillea from a physical store, check that the plant looks healthy with no discolored, yellow, or drooping leaves. Also look for a well-established root system. This gives the plant the best chance to thrive when you transplant it at home.

Ordering Bougainvilleas Online for Home Delivery

Online plant retailers have made it easier than ever to buy tropical plants like bougainvillea even if you don’t live in a warm climate. Ordering plants online for home delivery means you can shop for rare or specialty varieties that may not be available locally. Reputable online sellers also package plants with care to ensure they arrive safely.

Some top online bougainvillea retailers:

• GrowJoy – Family-owned company offering unique bougainvillea varieties suitable for growing in pots or the ground.

• BrighterBlooms – Specializes in tropical plants, including many bougainvillea cultivars perfect for containers.

• Amazon – Search Amazon for sellers offering bougainvillea plants with Prime shipping. Check reviews carefully.

• Etsy – Find small-batch and unique bougainvillea varieties from independent growers selling on Etsy.

• White Flower Farm – A long-time mail order plant company with bougainvilleas for zones 9-11.

When ordering plants online, look for retailers who guarantee live delivery and allow returns of plants that arrive damaged or stressed. Choose expedited shipping if possible, as the quicker the plants get to you, the better.

What to Look for When Buying a Bougainvillea

Whether shopping online or in person, keep these tips in mind when choosing a bougainvillea for your landscape:

• Check plant health – Look for vibrant green leaves without spots, damage, or discoloration. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves.

• Well-established roots – Gently squeeze the pot or remove from container and check that root system is white and fully developed.

• Mature size – Note expected height and width at maturity to pick a variety suited to available space.

• Climbing or shrub form – Bougainvillea can be trained to climb or left as a bush. Choose growth habit based on how you want it to look.

• Frost tolerance – Some newer varieties are hardy enough for zone 7. Others need zone 9 or warmer. Know your zone.

• Sun requirements – All bougainvilleas need full sun. Pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct light daily.

When shopping for your bougainvillea, don’t be afraid to ask questions to the seller to make sure you pick the perfect variety for your needs. The most common question is simply, “Which one is your best bougainvillea for my area and garden conditions?” Experienced growers can point you to top performers.

Caring for Bougainvillea After Buying

Once you get your new bougainvillea plant home, proper care is important to help it not just survive, but really thrive. Follow these tips for success with your new bougainvillea:

• Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost. Bougainvilleas are heavy feeders.

• Allow plenty of space for growth. Give 6 feet or more between plants.

• Water regularly until established. Mature plants are quite drought-tolerant.

• Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting and reapply as needed.

• Train vines onto supports. Trellises, pergolas, fences and more make great structures.

• Prune lightly at planting, then more heavily in spring to stimulate new growth.

• Move container plants indoors if overnight temperatures will dip below 40 degrees F.

• Watch for common pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Treat as needed.

With the right care, bougainvillea is sure to grow vigorously and reward you with abundant colorful blooms. Buying from a reputable source sets your plant up for success.

Where to Find the Best Bougainvillea for Your Climate

Bougainvillea plants thrive best in warm climates, but new varieties are expanding their zone hardiness range. Use this guide to find varieties suitable for your region:

• Zones 9-11 – Most traditional bougainvillea varieties do best in warmer zones. Look for seeded types rather than hybrids.

• Zone 8 – Newer hybrids like the Sanderiana Group offer more cold tolerance for zone 8 gardens.

• Zone 7 – Recently developed varieties like Pink Pixie and Helen Johnson can handle zone 7 winters.

• Zones 5-6 – For cooler zones, grow bougainvillea in pots you can move indoors for winter or grow as an annual that self-seeds.

Check the tag or plant description carefully to confirm the variety you select will thrive in your gardening zone. Buying a variety rated for your zone boosts success.

With its vibrant colors and lush growth, bougainvillea makes a wonderful addition to most gardens. By shopping from reputable retailers and choosing plants suited specifically to your growing conditions, you can be sure to buy a healthy bougainvillea that will bring beauty to your landscape for years of enjoyment.