How to Prune Bugambilia Torch Bushes

Prune branches back in spring as needed, using pruning shears to cut through the woody stems. The branches of Torch Glow are erect and its leaves are relatively sparse, making it easy to snip the stems back to a desired length. This plant, like all bougainvilleas, is tolerant of even severe pruning.

Shape the plant by selectively removing branches and stems. You can grow this bougainvillea species as a hedge, tree, screen or in a container. If you're growing it in a container, prune it regularly to control growth so the plant does not become root-bound. To give the plant a tree shape, prune lower branches to promote a more upright shape. To encourage bougainvillea to grow as a dense screen, plant multiple individuals together and allow them to grow naturally as a mass. Unlike other bugambilias, this species does not require a trellis or other support.

Prune back frost-damaged stems to the ground. Remove any branches that have lost all their leaves or otherwise show damage. Prune the entire plant if the whole thing looks damaged, trimming outer branches and leaving the large inner branches intact. The plant will revitalize once the weather warms up, but be careful not to trim branches that still have life in them or are undamaged.