Photo: Zbigniew Niepokój, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Climber
Paper flower: when and how to prune
Bougainvillea glabra
Paper flower is best pruned in March and October.
| Pruning months | March and October |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in March |
| Flowering | June–October |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Paper flower: when to prune it?
The main prune is in March, before new growth starts. In October you can shorten over-long stems before bringing it indoors.
Paper flower: how to prune it?
- It flowers on new shoots: in March, cut last year’s side shoots back to 2–3 buds above the older wood.
- Remove dead, weak and crossing stems, as well as any that dried out over winter.
- Keep a framework of a few sturdy main stems; only the side shoots are cut back each year.
- In October, shorten over-long stems so that the plant fits indoors.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and October. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in March can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Caution: Wear sturdy gloves: the stems have sharp thorns.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Paper flower · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.