Hard pruning bougainvillea

[DesertPanda]

I have a bougainvillea that I am preparing for winter (Zone 8b) to come into the house. I have read a considerable amount of the sites and several mention that this is a good time for a hard prune to prepare for the Spring. Normally, I would not prune this late in the seasons but I think I understand that the Bougie is a tropical and they work a bit differently on timing. At this point, before I make any kind of cuts, I wanted to try and get some hands on advice (if anyone has any).

Also, the sites mention a “hard prune”. Is this anything similar to trunk chopping on a deciduous tree and do I need an active branch/shoot below the cut line for it to survive? Any advice would be appreciated on both regards.



My inital design idea is to reduce to slightly below the bottom dark line (caused by "floral tape") and allow it to grow out.

 

[jk_lewis]

I'd do that, too, and then I'd use the top as a cutting or cuttings. They're very easy. But I'd wait until late December or January to do anything.

Just water VERY SPARINGLY over the winter.

 

[DesertPanda]

Two trees

I had similar thoughts about trying to get two different trees out of this one. I was a little hesitant since I have never done anything like that before but I figure the bottom will survive fairly well and as far as the top goes...in for a dime in for a dollar. Thank you for the info on the pruning...I have been reducing watering.

 

[stacy allen muse]

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[IIIROYIII]

my bougie isn't bonsai, but I always cut mine back before bringing it indoors for the winter. It just makes it easier to handle and fit indoors after growing all summer on my patio. I have never really cut it back as hard as you are talking about t. These do root like weeds, and I have rooted them during the winter months under lamps just to see if I could.

 

[jk_lewis]

Well, he lives in southernmost New Mexico. In the desert. It will be spring as early there as it is for you in Florida, so December or January is the time to cut.

 

[stacy allen muse]

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[stacy allen muse]

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