Bougainvillea coming out of overwintering.

Question

I bought to large braided bougainvillea toparies at a garden shop last spring. Well Before our first frost here in Centeal Texas I put the large potted plants in an outdoor shed for overwintering. I watered them every month or so. I pulled them out a couple of weeks ago and the plants look dead. The shaped ball on top is all brittle twigs. When scratching the plant skin to find life I have to go almost half way back down the braided stem. I paid $400.00 each for two of these. HELP!!! Please tell me there is still a rescue plan for these two!!

Answer 1

These have to remain growing during the winter. They will want to be treated like a houseplant, and will not tolerate a true dormancy. You will have to cut them back to the living growth and fertilize once they come back. This article will give you more information on how to winter these properly: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/bougainvillea/bougainvillea-winter-care.htm