Bougainvillea 101

Displaying prolific blooms in an array of colors, Bougainvillea is easily spotted all around the Bay Area. A member of the four o’clock family, it’s characterized by its tropical colored paper-like bracts. Growing into a shrub or trailing vine dependent on pruning, it makes a great fence cover, trellis climber or hedge. They can be a little fussy when transplanting but are well worth the effort! Here are our tips for a healthy and blooming bougie!

In 1768 when Admiral Louis de Bougainvillea began his long journey to the Pacific Ocean and discovered the vine that now bears his name, it was the botanical highlight of the voyage.

Through the ensuring years, this Brazilian beauty has assumed its rightful place as one of the most popular, spectacular and beautiful tropical plants. The modern day hybrids of Bougainvillea spectabilis (B. Brasiliensis) and B. glabra are among the most beautiful of flowering vines.

CULTURE

'Royal Purple' Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea can be grown in the Bay Area however, because they are semi-topical there are some guidelines prospective bougainvillea buyers should be aware of:

Where frost is expected, vines should be given a protected, warm wall or the warmest spot in the garden. If you can get your bougainvillea through the first couple of winters it will become established and more able to take some frost damage and still recover.

Bougainvillea roots don’t knit the soil together into a firm rootball in the container and are highly sensitive to disturbances. Transplanting, rough handling or knocking the rootball around can fatally injure the plant. To minimize disturbance when planting, cut out the bottom of the container and slit the sides from an inch below the top of the can to the bottom. After you have planted the vine, carefully pull the container up and out of the soil then water your bougainvillea in, with confidence.

Supply sturdy support such as a trellis, stake or arbor and keep long shoots tied up so they won’t whip in the wind or shred leaves against the sharp thorns along the stems. Protect from high winds.

FERTILIZATION

These vines are heavy feeders and respond best to almost constant feeding with ½ strength water soluble fertilizer, e.g. Master Nursery Bud & Bloom 10-52-8. If you prefer a granular fertilizer, Master Nursery Rose & Flower 5-10-5 would be a good choice. With plentiful sunlight and constant feeding, these plants will bloom almost 10 months of the year.

WATERING

These plants flower best under stress. Keep the plant slightly on the dry side, and allow the plant to become root bound.

Another stunning shot of 'California Gold'

INSECTS

Bougainvilleas are almost totally insect free. The occasional aphid can be hosed off with water.

GROWING IN CONTAINERS

Plants do best in large (18-24”) clay containers if grown outdoors (clay containers tend to stay drier, thus stressing the plant) or in large hanging baskets. The 10” basket is the commercial standard, but plants will do much better in 12” hanging baskets. Place the containers in full sun, or in a place where they will receive at least ½ day of full sun.

If your Bougainvillea is not blooming, it probably if not receiving enough sun or fertilizer. These plants thrive in the topics in areas of low rainfall and intense sun and heat. Any well-drained potting soil mix is suitable for growing Bougainvillea, we recommend Master Nursery Potting Mix. To each “5 gallon size” pot add ¼ cup of Osmocote slow release fertilizer. For 10-12” hanging baskets use 2 tablespoons.

Click here for the printer-friendly copy of our Bougainvillea care sheet.   

The Fragrant Flowers You Crave

The beauty of flowers is undeniable, but at times we forget that they provide amazing scents to enjoy, too. Below are a few of our favorite flowers that go the extra mile by providing delicious fragrances!

• Angelwing Jasmine, an evergreen or semi-evergreen vine or shrub, provides a soft, slightly sweet soap-like fragrance. They also delight the eye with snow-white, pinwheel shaped flowers.

• Roses are the classic fragrant flower and for good reason. We have a large inventory of roses available, including miniature varieties. Our current favorites are Pope John Paul II with strong citrus and rose fragrance and New Zealand with strong honeysuckle fragrance.

• ‘Prince Rupert’ or ‘Mabel Gray’ Geraniums will provide a delectable lemon scent! Beware that they don’t tolerate poor drainage and need full sun.

• Angel’s trumpet is a wood shrub and comes in a variety of colors. It gets its name from the unique shape of its blooms. Most varieties are fragrant, but ‘Charles Grimaldi’ is the best.

• Star Magnolia provides a slight sweet scent with a hint of citrus. This Japanese-native is a small tree or large shrub that functions well as a focal tree and comes in a variety of colors.

No matter your scent preference, we can help you find the plant that will make you want to sit outside and breathe deeply all day long.

A 🍉+🥒+🍅 Summer Salad Recipe

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with new salad recipes!

There are so many amazing vegetables and fruits in season and pair well for a refreshing and healthy side dish.

In need of a new fresh recipe to try for the season? Try this watermelon, cucumber and tomato salad, and let us know what you think next time you're in the nursery! 

Watermelon, Cucumber and Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salad

INGREDIENTS

Serves 8

• ½ small yellow or red seedless watermelon, cut into ½-inch cubes (about 3 cups)

• 3 cucumbers, peeled (if skin is thick or bitter) and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 2 cups)

• 1 pint heirloom green, black or yellow cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)

• Zest of 1 lime

• 1 to 2 limes, juiced (about ¼ cup)

• 1 lemon, juiced (about ¼ cup)

• ½ to ¾ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt, to taste

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

PREPARATION

1. In a large serving bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.

2. Chop the lime zest into ¼-inch pieces and add to the salad. Add the lime juice and lemon juice and toss. Add the salt and chili powder and toss again.

3. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Source: Georgeanne Brennan and Ann M. Evans, The Davis Farmers Market Cookbook

This recipe was demonstrated for CUESA’s Market to Table program on July 7, 2012.

Flower Forecast

Wedding season is here and a brides’ bouquet is one of the most telling focal points of a wedding, speaking not only to her style, but also her personality. There are thoughtful, new trends and creative takes on bouquets this year that are sure to inspire all the newly engaged brides-to-be.

All photo credits: Cari Courtright Photography.

Trend #1: Greenery

Greenery, a mainstay in 2016, has moved strongly into the new year. Whether a bride prefers upright or cascading bouquets, there are many hues of green to choose from. Amaranthus drapes beautifully to create a lovely cascading bouquet, which compliments Bohemian aesthetics that are popular this year. A cascading bouquet full of simple, yet lush greenery speaks to brides who are drawn to minimalism. Modern takes on cascading bouquets include casual, loose and even asymmetrical designs. Bells of Ireland add height to bouquets, while mini hydrangeas add fullness to any style. Depending on the shades of green included in a bouquet, greenery can be used as an accent color or as a neutral base that will accentuate other flowers.

Trend #2: Texture

Adding unusual elements such as pods, succulents, air plants and edibles is also on trend, as they create beautiful and varying texture within bouquets. Pods, including poppy pods and brown or green lotus pods, add unusual texture and depth to bouquets thanks to their organic shape. Xeric tillandsias, an air plant variety, have a silvery sheen and fuzzy texture, perfect for a more neutral palette, while mesic tillandsias have a smoother texture and are greener in color.

Incorporating herbs is another creative way to add texture, and can also add deeper significance to the bouquets. Many herbs have associated meanings; for example, rosemary is associated with loyalty and fidelity, basil with love and goodwill. No matter how you incorporate texture, it is sure to transform simple bouquets into unique and visually exciting pieces.

Trend #3 – Neutral Colors

Neutral colors are classic, sophisticated and stand the test of time. Looking back at wedding pictures in years to come, neutral palettes won’t look dated. Bouquets inspired by vintage glamour and monochromatic neutrals provide beautiful examples of current takes on this trend.

The sophistication of a neutral color palette lends itself perfectly to tighter, more formal bouquets. Add silver foliage to white flowers, a trend borrowed from gray’s current popularity in fashion and décor, to modernize the bouquet. Tillandsias can offer a more whimsical aesthetic for brides who are less formal.

Trend #4 - Seasonal Blooms

Flowers always look their best when used during their peak season. The romantic blooms of peonies and dahlias are so popular that some brides choose their wedding date according to the availability of these flowers. Tropical flowers have a longer blooming season, so varieties like protea are often available and add an elegant sophistication to any style bouquet. For upcoming spring weddings, we recommend garden roses and peonies. Dahlias are in peak season for summer weddings, and fall weddings can take advantage of the timely blooms of scabiosa and celosia.

Herb Simple Syrup Recipe

Summer is a time for cocktails, lemonade, iced tea and anything sparkling!

To take your summer favorites to the next level, incorporate rosemary, mint or tarragon freshly picked from the garden into your own herb simple syrup using the simple recipe below.

It's sure to be a refreshing addition the whole family can enjoy!

Herb Simple Syrup

makes about 1 cup

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup sugar

• ½ cup packed fresh herb leaves (amount needed may vary according to the strength of the herb and your taste)

PREPARATION

1. Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and then turn off the heat.

2. Add the leaves to the syrup and cover, steeping for about 30 minutes as the mixture cools. Timing may vary depending on the herb; a strong herb like rosemary should be removed sooner. Taste as you go.

3. Strain the syrup through a fine-meshed sieve or through several layers of cheesecloth. Pour into a jar or bottle and label.

4. The syrup is best when fresh but keeps in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.

Recipe from CUESA

Incorporating Edible Flowers Into Your Culinary Creations

Edible flowers may be used culinarily in a variety of ways. They make colorful, striking garnishes for drinks as well as food, for everything from salads to soups and desserts.

We love Sunset’s Eat-Your-Garden-Salad, as it inspires us to take a second look at our blooming beauties and add them to our plate. Nasturtium petals are a classic addition for a bit of peppery and mustardy flavor, but we love the idea of throwing in a few pansy petals for unexpected coloring.

We also love this Squash Blossom Pesto Pizza, incorporating one of our favorite edible flowers and delicious roasted tomatoes. (Psst! Missed Randall’s Simple Basil Recipe? Be sure to stop in to pick up our fresh basil to incorporate in your summer cooking today!)

Perfect for a summer party, decorate your water pitcher or ice cubes with peony, rose, pansy, nasturtium, violet and geranium petals for an unexpected pop of color in your chilled summer drinks. Don’t forget the dessert! Adorn your summer sweets with dandelions, fuchsia, gladiola, gardenia, hibiscus, lavender, primrose, jasmine and more to add unexpected beauty to your tasty delights! A sprinkle of flower petals over a cake is an easy way to add charm to a simple dessert.

Once you start growing your flowers to be eaten, it is best to grow them as organically as you can. Looking for a particular flavor? Edible flowers can pack a punch of sweet, peppery or tangy flavor. With so many options (listed below), you’ll be sure to find the perfect garnish for your summer cooking!

• Bachelor Buttons: varies from sweet to spicy, with clove flavor

• Basil: lemon and mint flavors

• Borage: cucumber flavor*

• Calendula: spicy, tangy, peppery*

• Carnations: spicy, peppery, clover-like flavor and aroma

• Chive: onion flavor

• Citrus: sweet and highly scented, use frugally

• Day Lilies: slightly sweet like lettuce or melon

• Dianthus: clove-like flavor*

• Fuchsia: tangy flavor

• Hibiscus: famously used in teas, tart cranberry flavor

• Jasmine: sweet and super fragrant, use in teas

• Lavender: floral, add to sweet and savory dishes

• Marigolds: spicy to piquant, bitter

• Mint: minty intensity varies among varieties

• Mums: slightly piquant to very bitter*

• Nasturtiums: peppery*

• Pansies: varies from sweet to tart flavor

• Rosemary: pine-like flavor

• Roses: sweet flavor

• Stocks: from spicy to sweet flavor*

• Squash: sweet flavor

• Thyme: lemon flavor

• Violas: from mild wintergreen flavor to bland*

*Flowers you can have for the cool season (September - March)

Watering 101

With the official start of summer just around the corner, here is a quick review of our watering, soil prep and planting basics from our Watering 101 care sheet.

Watering to Establish

The goal of good watering (deeply and infrequently) is to encourage roots to grow deeper and access a larger, more stable volume of water which isn’t subject to the drying effects found at the surface. Deep soaking puts water down where you want the roots to grow and infrequent watering forces them to go searching. Only new plantings and plants in pots are okay with daily water when needed.

How to Water

How you apply water has a lot to do with where it ends up. Very few soils around here can absorb an hour's worth of water applied all at once; you may have to apply it more slowly or in smaller doses. So how do you deep water?

• When watering by hand: for smaller plants, it’s best to build a basin which extends just beyond the drip line and fill it two or three times. For larger plants, apply a slow trickle of water for 20 to 30 minutes at several spots around the drip line of the plant.
• When watering by sprinkler (in ground or manual): run your sprinkler to the point of run-off; turn off and allow the water to penetrate, repeat once or twice. Most sprinkler systems can and should be programmed to cycle through stations repeatedly. It’s always best to water in the morning so your plants are dry before nightfall when wet foliage will encourage a number of diseases.
• When watering by drip system: run system long enough (usually an hour or two) to apply adequate water; most emit a gallon or two per hour. Water moves down and out through the soil, wetting a cone of soil, so initially, emitters should be placed on top of the root ball a few inches out to the side so the water will miss the roots. Check emitters regularly, as they clog easily.

How Often to Water

Determine watering frequency by periodically measuring how long it takes for a plant to start wilting after it has been watered thoroughly. This gives you the maximum time between waterings under those weather conditions.

“Needs regular watering” is different for every plant, but usually means that plant will never be entirely self-sufficient.

Factors to Consider

• Plant type: Trees root more deeply than shrubs or perennials; leaves that are smaller, more gray, or needle-like are all adapted to require less water. Natives may need water for the first month or two, but then want nothing beyond what mother nature gives them.
• Establishment time: Assuming good watering practices, the longer a plant is in the ground the more established and less frequently it will need supplemental watering. New plantings, on the other hand, can require water more than once a day—check on them frequently.
• Soil conditions: The fine particles of our clay soils accept water more slowly and hold onto it more tightly than sandy or loamy soils which drain more quickly.
• Exposure: The amount of sun and when it’s received affects how quickly a plant will dry, as will reflected heat from walls and wind.
• Weather: Cool and humid weather minimize water usage while warm, dry and windy weather are water demanding. Spring and summer also signal higher water use because plants are actively growing and conditions are more extreme.

Like a parent, take extra care in the beginning to nurture your plants. Meet their needs (without spoiling them) and help establish them so they become as self-sufficient as possible. Whether you have questions on existing plants in your garden or need advice on selecting new ones, we are always here to help!