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Wait for the first colorful bracts to form and fall in springOnce they fall, prune excess growth Fertilize.This will cause new bloom on the shorter flowering spursRepeat during the flowering season as needed. Gardeners caring for bougainvillea in the garden dose not need to worry much about water once the plants mature.Irrigate only when the plants start to wilt and the soil is dry. The vines do need food. Fertilize your bougainvillea every month in spring and early summer. You will want to use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at half the normal dosage. Pruning is part of the work if you are caring for bougainvillea in the garden.For the best results put your plants in full sun. If you want good blooming give them at least 5 hours a day of full sunlight as a minimum. More hours of direct sun is better. Less than 5 hours and the plant may not bloom very well. Your plants will thrive in shade or partial shade, but only have nice growth with little or no blooms.Train the bougainvillea: Bougainvillea plants need support to cover a wall, fence, or other area. Create rows of wire or string against the surface that you want covered. Tuck the bougainvillea branches behind these guidance supports at regular intervals. Keep a close eye on growth and adjust as necessary until the bougainvillea starts covering the wall or other surface.