Bougainvillea in miniature – with a little patience, anyone can grow these vibrant plants in bonsai form

If you want vibrant color in your yard, bougainvilleas are a great option. These tropical plants are easily recognizable for their vivid, showy flowers that can vine and fill garden walls and fences during spring and summer.

You might be surprised to learn that bougainvilleas are not just climbing plants, but can also be grown as bonsai trees. Growing shrubs or trees in miniature form - the art of bonsai - is a traditional Japanese technique with remarkable results. Bonsai care might seem intimidating, and it certainly does require both skill and patience, but by following a few rules, you will not be disappointed.

So, while you might know how to grow bougainvillea in pots, growing and caring for a bonsai tree requires a somewhat different approach. We asked a tropical plant expert to share all the crucial information you need to guarantee success when growing in miniature.

How to grow bougainvillea bonsai trees

Growing in miniature means that any gardener, regardless of which US hardiness zone you reside in, can successfully nurture a bougainvillea plant. This is because smaller pots and plants can be protected and brought indoors during the cold winter months. So, whether you have a small terrace, patio and balcony, follow our guide and learn how to grow and care for bougainvillea bonsai specimens.

How to get started with bougainvillea bonsai trees

There are many different bonsai tree types, but perhaps none are as colorful as bougainvillea. To get started, the easiest option is to buy a ready-trained bougainvillea bonsai tree, available from Amazon, or, if you are feeling up for a challenge, you can choose to grow your bonsai from a small seedling or plant. Bougainvillea live plants are available from Amazon.

'When growing bougainvillea bonsai trees, I suggest choosing a dwarf variety with smaller leaves and smaller flowers, which will make things easier for you when training your miniature specimen,' says Tatiana Anderson, plant expert and co-founder of Top Tropicals. Tatiana recommends Bougainvillea 'Dwarf Pixie', 'Helen-Johnson', 'Sunvillea Cream', and 'Sunvillea Pink', all of which are dwarf varieties.

'Use a small, shallow bonsai pot with good drainage,' Tatiana adds. 'I recommend using a bonsai soil mix as it provides proper aeration and drainage.' Bonsai ceramic pots are available from Amazon. 'It is best to start with a pot that is 10 to 12 inches in diameter, and as the bonsai plant grows, you can move up to larger pots.

'Place your bougainvillea in a sunny location,' Tatiana says. 'Much the same as bougainvillea climbers, bonsai versions will require plenty of light to thrive and bloom.'

Once your bougainvillea is potted up, patience and pruning are the two key aspects when tending to bonsai trees.

Tatiana Anderson

Tatiana Anderson is the co-owner and co-founder of Top Tropicals, based in Fort Myers, Florida. Top Tropicals grow and sell a whole range of flowering and fruiting tropical plants. 

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Ongoing care for bougainvillea bonsai trees

'When training bonsai specimens, it is best to use small canes and bonsai wire, available from Walmart, to shape your small tree,' says Tatiana. Remember that you are trying to create a tree in miniature form, so one leader, or trunk, with a small canopy is the desired result. Over time the central stem will thicken and be able to support horizontal stems without the need for canes.

'It is vital that you regularly prune your bonsai to maintain the shape and size of the tree,' Tatiana says. 'Prune your bougainvillea immediately after any blooms have faded, but you can snip any shoots or new growth that is unwanted throughout the growing season,' Tatiana adds.

It is best to 'repot your bonsai plant every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, but choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one, as bougainvilleas prefer to be somewhat root-bound.'

Be sure to water your bougainvillea throughout the spring and summer when the top inch of soil is dry. Your pot must have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Fertilize bougainvillea bonsai trees with a bougainvillea fertilizer, available from Amazon, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

In cooler regions, such as US hardiness zone 5, be sure to protect bougainvillea bonsai trees during the winter months, bringing the pot indoors or storing it in a heated greenhouse.

FAQs

Can I keep a bougainvillea bonsai tree indoors all year round?

Yes, it is possible to grow a bougainvillea plant indoors all year round. However, bougainvillea plants can suffer from pest attacks when grown indoors in humid environments, so be sure to regularly inspect your plants. If possible, move your bougainvillea outdoors for the summer, as they will benefit from direct sunshine and fresh air.

Growing bougainvillea bonsai trees is a long-term project, but with the right approach, you will eventually enjoy your very own miniature tree sculpture. For more information on growing in miniature, see our guide to the art of bonsai and growing for mental well-being.