How to prune bougainvillea after flowering

1. How to prune

Its flowers are purple or red and only grow on the top of the branches. After it blooms, the remaining flowers will remain on the branches. We need to trim them off. This will not only make it more beautiful, but also reduce its nutrient consumption. When we prune it, we must know that it is very resistant to pruning and don't be afraid of damaging it.

After it blooms, we need to cut the flowering branches first. Don't cut them too short, just cut off a little at the top. If the branch is long, you can cut off one-third or two-thirds, or give it a shape.

The purpose of pruning it is to prevent its nutrients from being wasted, to grow more branches and make the shape more compact. Therefore, after it blooms, you can thin it out, remove the dead branches, cut off the thin branches, and cut off the side branches, so that it can grow more new buds.

2. Pruning method

1. Short cut

It means cutting off a section of a branch that has grown for one year. If half or one-third of it is cut off, it is called heavy shorting. If you only cut one-third or less, it is called a light short cut. This type of pruning will stimulate the lower buds more, allowing the new branches to grow as quickly as possible, but it will weaken the thickening of the main trunk.

2. Thinning

Cutting off branches that have grown for one year or many years is called thinning, which helps promote the growth of buds and branches below the cut. This kind of pruning can reduce the density of branches, increase internal light, and help the plant grow.

3. Shrinkage

Removing branches that have grown for many years is called shortening. It is very helpful for the growth of branches and buds behind the cut. This method is used to make old trees strong again. If there are more places to be pruned, you can do it in several times.