Bougainvillea, native of Brazil and inseparable part of most Mediterranean gardens. And like many beautiful things, bougainvillea will seduce your eye and sting you if you try to control it (they have spiky thorns).
And maybe (or not) like other beautiful things, bougainvillea can require a little harsh treatment. Plants often bloom brightest when deprived of water (some nurseries will go as long as three months without watering to get the best results).
Garden drama: Convincing the plant its at death's door, the grower then waters heavily making the plant think it has one last chance to propagate itself. The plant responds by producing a volume of flowers with the intent of launching seeds for future plants.
The iconic bougy of The Getty:
Bougainvillea blooms can be tricky for the unseasoned gardener. Otherwise, it's extremely hearty and resilient.
General advice on flowering: Water and fertilize, but not heavily, during spring and summer. If a plant wilts because it is too dry, give it some water. Use a high-potash fertilizer, such as a hibiscus fertilizer, rather than a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Apply about a tablespoon of hibiscus fertilizer every three to four weeks. Or use a specially formulated bougainvillea fertilizer. A tablespoon of Epsom salts when you fertilize can be beneficial, too.
A Mediterranean style Asian fusion done in that inimitable Disney way (as seen at one of their parks).
Bougy also works extremely well with palms.
