bougainvillea pale leaves

[itsanathansaurus]

hi there! new user here.

I purchased a new bougainvillea plant about two months ago from home depot, that grows on a trellis. I potted it and used bougainvillea soil, which is quick-draining. I added a bigger trellis behind it and plan to train it to grow upon it. however, I've noticed that the plant's new shoots and leaves are green, bold and vibrant. however, the bottom part of the plant is different. the leaves are a pale green. the plant looks very misshapen. I've added bgi bougainvillea fertilizer to it monthly, but the pale green leaves still look weak.

should I trim it, or simply let it grow out?

much help would be appreciated! thanks!

[Hortman]

Hello itsanathansaurus. Ken here in the Chicago area.
No need to trim your plant. Let it grow out. Your bougie needs
fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and in early summer.
As far as the pale leaves are concerned, the plant should be in full sun.
Lack of the proper amount of sun would contribute to pale leaves. This lack
would also make the plant very leggie and thin. Water your bougie regularly
in spring and moderately when it is blooming. I hope this helps. Good luck.