Chameleon Bougainvillea

Question

I have a recent addition to the family – a 2-3ft tall container grown “Imperial Thai Delight” bougainvillea purchased from Lowe’s about 2 weeks ago. He was in a section with many other varieties of young bougainvillea plants. I have kept him in full sun for 8+ hours/day, and it can get quite warm (USDA zone 9) and keep the soil moist, watering daily to every other day (he gets wilted if I wait longer than that, even if the soil is still slightly moist). He seems to be growing well – putting out new growth already. However he’s changing color pretty obviously… When I brought him home, his bracts were the traditional white-to-blush pink ombré, and would age and fall off true to color. Recently though the bracts have been becoming progressively more fuchsia – seems to be strongest on the older bracts. The new bracts look like they are starting out darker pink as well, rather than traditional white. There’s also a couple young leaves that look to have some fuchsia tips developing! What gives? Is there anything I can do to ensure the Imperial Thai Delight colors return and stay put? I’m a bit of a novice and far from green thumb status, so I appreciate any advice.

Answer 1

Just a f.y.i: I find that some bi-color white-pink/red roses can alter the coloring during the summer months in my alkaline soils. Perhaps ITD will return to what was normal once temperatures recede. Environmental factors can affect the bract colors. The ITDs (or look alikes) that I have seen however, included bracts that were in different color "stages" (with either more pink or more whites).

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/bougainvillea/why-did-bougainvillea-turn-color.htm