Looking for some tips on maintaining bougainvillea.. I have had 3 along a fence in my yard for several years. It's taken a few years but they are looking stronger with larger trunk/etc. In late spring (maybe April) they looked great - very colorful and lots of the red bracts/green leaves/etc. However, now that we are in the middle of the summer they look bad - very little color or foliage. I don't think they are in danger of dying as this has been the pattern for a couple of years now.. Healthier early in the year and then bad in the summer.

A few details:

• Location: San Diego Coastal
• Where planted: North-West facing on north side of a fence (in beds near my lawn). So we get full sun after mid-morning into the afternoon
• Soil: mostly clay
• Watering Schedule: spray nozzles using Rachio - so right now every 12 days for 20 min.
• Fertilizer - I use 'Bougain' (https://www.amazon.com/BGI-10-lb-Bou.../dp/B0796KJKWF ) but not really on a schedule.. Guessing I use it twice per year

Is this just water or fertilizer or something else? BTW I do see many in my neighborhood with similar exposure (maybe a bit more sun than min) but looking very full of green foliage - in general healthier than mine.

 

Try fertilizing more often. Weekly and LOW dose. Try watering more frequently. Dig down a foot with your hand or something narrow and see about moisture.

 

Thanks - I'll give that a shot.. I recently did increase some watering by hand and I'm seeing more green leaves... I will also step up the fertilizer and see how it goes

 

Ok - so the increased watering and fertilizing seems to be helping.. More growth and a little bit of flowering.

So I've also noticed some pests on these plants - if anyone knows the best course of action to get rid of these.. I've started with just spraying with my hose to get these off.. However, if there are some recommended pest control products please send along. Attached a few photos of the chewed up leaves.

 

I'm not good at chewing critter ID. So....set your alarm for 1 a.m. and go out with a flashlight and look at both sides of the leafs and on the ground. If nothing, go to a local, small nursery with the leafs. You might ask about a systemic poison via granules in the ground. Also, put on a mask..... and ask a neighbor or two about chewing critters.