Ask John Negus

Why are my bougainvilleas out of sync?

Q I have potted bougainvilleas on my terrace. I bring them inside for winter, but they have started flowering when they are indoors, rather than in the garden. What can I do?

Pat Bowering, Stevenage, Herts

A I suspect the problem with your bougainvilleas is that they are not being allowed to have a dormant season during the winter months.

There are two main species, B. glabra and B. spectabilis), that need slightly different care. Hopefully, the label will tell you which yours are.

Both should be watered frequently during the summer, and fed weekly with a balanced liquid feed. B. glabra flowers pretty much all year round and should be fed and watered all year, though less in the winter. B. spectabilis needs a dry period to promote flowering, and should be allowed to dry off gradually once the flowers have finished.

Both species like lots of light and high humidity, though their home should be well ventilated. During the winter a minimum temperature of 7ºC (45ºF) is ideal for B. glabra, but B. spectabilis prefers it slightly warmer at 10ºC (50ºF).

In March when both species come back into growth, the temperature should be raised to 20ºC (68ºF) but keeping in mind they will need hardening off before