Q.Is my tree in trouble?
I was hoping to get some guidance. I went a little crazy pruning my Bougainvillea and I am concerned I killed it. Will it grow back? I have attached a photo from last spring and one from today.
Thank you so much for any advice you can provide me. I believe it’s all going to grow back but I thought I would check with an expert.
Yes you went a little overboard with extreme pruning.
As long as there is adequate soil moisture it will probably refoliate. But the problem is that the response may be rampant growth to compensate for the loss of foliage.
Bouganvillea is difficult to manage as a bonsai, because of the vigorous and bulky growth habit. It's best to do light thinning and shaping regularly, maybe monthly, instead of waiting until it becomes over-grown and you find that you have to do a drastic reduction like that.
Do you prune the roots? Look in a good bonsai book for directions on light root pruning, which may help to slow down the vigorous foliar growth.
Don't over-water or over-fertilize, as that can stimulate excessive growth.
