Bougainvillea variegated ‘Bengal Orange’ 20l

Description

Bougainvillea variegated ‘Bengal Orange’ in a 20L pot is a stunning, tropical evergreen vine (or shrubby vine) prized for its vibrant color and striking foliage. This cultivar features green and cream/white variegated leaves that provide a beautiful contrast to its showy pinkish-orange to blushing-orange bracts (the colorful “flowers” — the true flowers are small and white inside).
Here are the key details:
Appearance — The variegated foliage is often margined or splashed in creamy yellow/green and darker green, creating a bold, eye-catching effect. The bracts start bright orange and may age to fuchsia/pinkish tones, blooming profusely in warm weather for a long season, giving a lush tropical vibe.
Growth habit — Vigorous and vining but can also be trained as a shrub or kept compact in a container. The 20L pot size indicates a mature, well-established plant (typically 1–2+ years old, ready for planting or display), offering instant impact compared to smaller starters.
Growth conditions and care —
Light: Full sun is essential — at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily (ideally 8+ hours for maximum blooming and intense color). More sun and heat = more vibrant bracts and better overall performance. In partial shade, flowering reduces significantly, and growth may become leggy.
Water: Drought-tolerant once established. Provide deep, infrequent watering — soak thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out between sessions (every 3–4 weeks or so in ground; more often in pots during hot spells). Overwatering leads to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers; underwatering stresses it but encourages blooming.
Soil: Well-draining is critical — prefers slightly acidic to neutral, loamy or sandy soils. Avoid heavy, waterlogged, or overly alkaline soils (which can cause chlorosis/yellowing leaves). In pots, use a good cactus/succulent mix or add perlite/sand for drainage.
Temperature/Hardiness: Thrives in warm conditions; hardy in USDA zones 9–11 (frost-free or light frost tolerant at best). Protect from frost in cooler Cape winters (bring potted plants indoors or cover if temps drop below ~5°C). Loves heat and performs best in hot, dry spells.
Fertilizer: Heavy feeder during active growth/flowering season. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer (high in micronutrients like iron) or one formulated for flowering plants. Feed regularly in spring/summer; avoid high-nitrogen types that promote leaves over blooms.
Pruning: Prune after major blooming periods (late winter/early spring before new growth, or post-bloom) to shape, control size, and encourage bushier growth/more flowers. Regular trimming keeps it tidy on supports or as a shrub.