Plant Bio

"Bougainvillea Tomato Red Bushy" is likely a specific cultivar of Bougainvillea with the name "Tomato Red Bushy." Bougainvillea is a popular flowering plant known for its vibrant and showy bracts, which are often mistaken for flowers. Here's a general description and care guide for Bougainvillea, which would apply to the "Tomato Red Bushy" cultivar as well:

Description:

Flowers: Bougainvillea's vibrant and colorful display comes from its bracts, which are modified leaves surrounding the actual, inconspicuous flowers. The bracts can be found in a variety of colors, including red, pink, orange, purple, and white.
Growth Habit: Bougainvillea can be a climbing vine or a bushy shrub, depending on how it's trained and pruned. Some cultivars, like "Bushy," tend to have a more compact and bushy growth habit.
Foliage: The actual leaves of Bougainvillea are small to medium-sized and are typically green. However, the bracts are the most eye-catching feature of the plant.
Thorns: Many Bougainvillea varieties, including the "Bushy" type, have thorns along their branches.

Care:

Sunlight: Bougainvillea thrives in full sun. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant and colorful bracts. Insufficient sunlight can lead to reduced flowering.

Climate: Bougainvillea is well-suited to warm and tropical climates. It's not tolerant of frost and is best grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

Soil: Use well-draining soil that allows excess water to escape quickly. A mixture of regular potting soil and perlite or sand works well. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral.

Watering: Water your Bougainvillea deeply when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as Bougainvillea prefers to be slightly on the dry side.

Fertilization: Feed your Bougainvillea with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content to promote flowering.

Pruning: Prune Bougainvillea regularly to shape its growth, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage new growth. Pruning can also help control the size and shape of the plant.

Support: If your Bougainvillea is a climbing variety, provide support such as a trellis or wall for it to climb on. Regularly tie and train the vines to encourage upward growth.

Pests and Diseases: Bougainvillea can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and caterpillars. Inspect the plant regularly and treat any infestations promptly.

Repotting: Repot your Bougainvillea when it outgrows its container. This is typically done every 2 to 3 years. Choose a slightly larger pot and refresh the soil.

"Bougainvillea Tomato Red Bushy" likely shares the care requirements of other Bougainvillea cultivars. However, for specific information about this particular cultivar, it's recommended to consult with a local nursery or horticulturist who can provide guidance based on the unique characteristics of the "Tomato Red Bushy" variety.