Caring for the bougainvillea
From my earliest memories – and much like a majority of homes in the Sultanate – our home had always been enveloped in a kaleidoscope of colours, predominantly courtesy of the bougainvillea.
Gardening has been a cherished passion for my parents, serving as a therapeutic escape after work and a weekend pastime when the luxury of time allows them to immerse themselves in the vibrant world just beyond our doorstep.
During the early 1990s, our garden boasted over 100 pots adorned with bougainvillea flowers. However, the challenges of relocating homes multiple times took a toll on the flowers’ well-being.
Fast-forward to the present, and we continue to cultivate the beauty of more than 50 pots, encircling our house’s compound.
“The oldest one we still have was bought in 1987!” exclaimed my mother. She reminisced about its humble beginnings as a mere five-inch-tall plant, purchased for BND30 at the time.
ABOUT THE BOUGAINVILLEA
Bougainvillea, known for their vibrant and captivating displays of colour, are tropical and subtropical flowering plants that have become iconic in many landscapes around the world.
Belonging to the nyctaginaceae family, these ornamental vines and shrubs are native to South America, particularly the regions of Brazil, Peru, and Argentina.
Named after the French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who first documented them during his voyages in the 18th century, bougainvillea have since spread their beauty across continents, thriving in warm climates and adorning gardens, streets, and architectural structures with their dazzling bracts.
Additionally, when we talk about its symbolism and nomenclature, the official flowers of Guam bear various species of bougainvillea, known locally as puti tai nobiu. These vibrant blooms also hold official status in locations such as Lienchiang and Pingtung Counties in Taiwan, Ipoh in Malaysia, Tagbilaran and Camarillo in the Philippines, and several cities in California and Guangdong Province, China.
Moreover, bougainvillea is recognised as the national flower of Grenada and is prevalent in Naha, Okinawa.
Originating in South America, this flowering plant goes by numerous names in different regions, including santa-rita, veranera, and papelillo. In Brazilian Portuguese, it may be referred to as primavera, três-marias, and others.
Despite the diverse nomenclature, buganvília in Portuguese and buganvilia in Spanish stand out as widely accepted names in the respective regions where these languages are spoken, signifying its introduced status.
FLORAL FONDNESS
Intrigued by the longevity of these flowers and curious about the meticulous care that has kept them thriving, I instinctively sat my mother down to unravel the secrets.
With ease, she shared, “It requires a touch of love and attentive care.” The care is essentially a straightforward one.
For one, these flowers require watering at least twice a week, except during the rainy season and when it’s been pouring heavy, she said she would check to see before watering them.
Bougainvillea exhibits a growth rate ranging from slow to rapid, contingent on the specific variety. In equatorial regions, these vibrant plants showcase a continuous flowering pattern throughout the year.
Conversely, in other climates, they follow a seasonal rhythm, with bloom cycles lasting approximately four to six weeks.
Flourishing in dry soil under intense sunlight, bougainvillea thrives with regular fertilisation. However, once established, they demand minimal water, and an excess may hinder their growth. So, naturally, these flowers easily thrive in Brunei’s climate.
My mother’s fertilisation trick is to use a four in one fertiliser, as well as organic fertilisers such as chicken manure and goat manure, with sufficient watering to keep the soil moist.
“The most important aspect is to care for the plants with love, bringing the flowering plants to life by praising the fertility of their roots, leaves and blossoms,” said my mother.
As an extra tip, she added that she also recites prayers and engages in mindful remembrance while watering and fertilising the flowers.
Propagation is a straightforward process through tip cuttings, although my mother rarely practices this.
As we delve into the intricacies of their care and the thoughtful practices my mother incorporates, it becomes clear that the allure of bougainvillea transcends the brilliance of their vibrant bracts, reaching into the realm of cherished moments and inspiring enduring traditions. – Izah Azahari
