Helen Johnson Bougainvillea !

[JustinBoi]

So I recently bought a 15 year old cascade Helen Johnson bougainvillea. Very nice specimen, didn't cost too much, and it's a wonderful show piece. But I do have a few questions. 1: Is it an indoor/outdoor tree? I wanted to bring it in once in a while on a stand I bought and then put it back on its pedestal outside in full sun. 2: It's about 82 degrees high everyday here, can this tree follow the protocall of doing the toothpick in the soil and if it's dry after 2 minutes, it needs water? Or just when it looks dry. Or maybe it shouldn't be let to dry? I will post a pic a little later. And I am back from a good growing season. (:

[TomM]

Anxious to see this one.

Let's get some southerners in here to discuss your watering questions. It is generally known that bougainvilleas like to dry out a little more than some other plants. They can go to a slight 'wilting' stage and recover quickly with a good watering. But be cautious. Do not go to extreme drought either. You have high temps there and heavy storms.

ALSO - you mention the 'pedestal' you keep it on outdoors. Consider the winds and find a way to secure the pot onto the pedestal to prevent a disaster. High gusts can be a big problem anywhere. Even the pedestal can be in jeopardy if it isn't heavy enough.

Question - did you get this from Eric? - www.wigertsbonsai.com

[JustinBoi]

First let me clarify that I have not received this piece. I have bought it and it's on it's way here, will probably be here monday or tuesday. And yes we do have high temps and heavy storms. For the pedestal question, I have made a pedestal out of wood, about 7 foot tall, 2 feet in the ground with 2 gallons of cement surrounding it. Then a 2 foot by 2 foot thick plywood board. I am planning on using very thick wire and wiring the plant to the pedestal and screwing the wire down by titanium nails. I also worry even with all these precautions, something could go wrong. I'll have to seek out help later. And yes I bought this piece from Erik. He has such wonderful specimens and I enjoy his work extreme. Astonishing is the word.
Here's a pic: (Hope you like it, and this is the display picture he had for this)
[img]https://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l612/Justin_Broughton/Helenjohnson.jpg[/img]

[JustinBoi]

Decided to post two more pictures for better perspective for you all:

[img]https://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l612/Justin_Broughton/Helenjohnson2.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l612/Justin_Broughton/Helenjohnson3.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l612/Justin_Broughton/ebay3812104.jpg[/img]

[lucenda]

I really LOVE it! It's beautiful! I got one from Eric also last summer; very healthy and beautiful. I learned that they are pretty easy to keep; congrats with your beautiful bougainvillea!! What I love from the Helen is that the same plant has flowers who are red and pink.

Enjoy it!

[JustinBoi]

As soon as I saw it, I was like... THATS MINE ! Erik has such wonderful pieces. Love buying from him. I can't wait to see the flowers. ;D As soon as I receive it, I will be posting a few pictures.