The triplet flower forms its flowers at the tips of its shoots. If you don't cut it, it won't bloom as well, or maybe even won't bloom at all. When is it time to cut the bougainvillea and what should you pay attention to when cutting?
When and how should you cut the triplet flower?
The best time to cut the triplet is in spring (February or March), cut it to half, especially on young plants. Between flowering periods: shorten new shoots by a maximum of half, cut flower shoots as soon as the flowers have dried out.
When should the triplet flower be cut?
The best time to cut the triplet flower is early spring in February or March, before new growth begins.
Pruning may also be necessary in autumn if you bring the triple flower into its winter quarters to overwinter. It takes up a lot of space, so you have to shorten it first.
Short the shoot tips of the triplet flower correctly
So that the plant branches well and develops a strong main trunk, cut off all side branches that extend from the main shoots. Shorten them directly at the roots.
In spring you can shorten the triplet flower by half, especially if the plant is still very young.
Between flowering periods, only shorten the new shoots by a maximum of half. It is very beneficial if you cut the flower shoots as soon as the flowers on them have dried up. This stimulates the formation of new flowers, so that the triple flower blooms up to four times a year.
Triplet flowers can be cut into many shapes
Bougainvilleas can be cut into many shapes. Whether you grow it as a standard tree or give it a ball shape is up to you. Basically, the plant tolerates pruning very well.
Cutting triplet flowers as a bonsai
Due to their tolerance to cutting, triplet flowers are very suitable for growing as bonsai. In the beginning, the bougainvillea is often shortened so that the trunk becomes stronger.
From May onwards, don't cut the plant quite as vigorously. If the bougainvillea is older, shorten it heavily after flowering. Also thin out the crown so that the air can circulate better.
Cut head cuttings in spring
If you want to propagate your triplet flower, cut head cuttings 20 centimeters long in spring. These are placed in substrate and maintained in a very bright, warm location.
Tip
After severe pruning, the triplet flower needs more nutrients. It is therefore advisable to cut them afterwards or to schedule this care measure at a time when you wanted to fertilize anyway.
