I posted this in the Ask a Question forum a few weeks ago and did not receive any replies, so I figured that I would try here. Hopefully this is the right place to get some discussion going!

My beautiful bougainvillea is struggling! I'm unsure if this is a result of the rough and wet winter/spring that we've had here in Marin county. I haven't seen other bougainvillea in my area look like this, but this particular plant has ALWAYS been a late bloomer relative to the area.

It just doesn't look very good. There's hardly any growth on the top of the plant, and all of the "old" growth seems to have spots on the leaves.

I raked back all of the winter leaves and mulch and noticed the trunk was a bit soft on one side. It looks as if this was a result of lots of leaves and dirt around the trunk. I'd say 10% of the trunk is soft. Is there anything I can do besides keep dirt and leaves away from it and keep the soil as dry as possible?


Do any of you have any thoughts on what could be going on here or what I should do? I don't want to put more stress on the plant.

Here are the pictures.

I saw your post in Ask a Question but I don't follow links I don't recognize. Maybe others feel the same? I suggest you post the pictures to NGA using the "Choose File" below the empty text box. Your photos will upload into that box, you can preview them then "Finish."

Lucy68 said: I saw your post in Ask a Question but I don't follow links I don't recognize. Maybe others feel the same? I suggest you post the pictures to NGA using the "Choose File" below the empty text box. Your photos will upload into that box, you can preview them then "Finish."

Understood. Just uploaded the pictures rather than using the link. Thanks!

You're welcome. Now we just need someone who grows and knows Bougainvillea.

My boogies don't like wet weather. The one I have in its non planted pot has done best in cramped root room and full afternoon sun, but it still stretching toward more sun. The other my daughter plants in too large a pot and all it does is grow.
You need to trim out the dead branches. I hear that if the cambium is green there is hope, and check for fungus since your weather has been so humid.