I'll add my voice to the chorus. I've had success rooting them from spring through early summer and like the others mentioned, hard wood seems to work best. I actually like hard, twiggy growth that's very skinny for rooting. My success rate has never been high, probably between 25 and 33% or so, but that's been enough. Mine rooted in water, potting soil, and perlite. Let us know if your friend gives it a try and how it works out. Take care, Grant

As far as I know, Bougainvilleas are going to spread unless you prune them to remain a bush shape. The good thing about pruning is you can get even more flowers that way. Z

Thank you so,much, Puternut and others. What I meant by 'try that with spell check' was, when I tried to give my online response here, I did understand that puter nut meant that you were a computer nut. However, my spell check corrected to outer nut. Sorry my response caused confusion and consternation. I have the HIGHEST respect , admiration , and heart-felt gratitude for the folks at Gardenweb forums. You Who share everything from computer skills to home improvement, to nature topics, to gardening. I could go on. I have been a member for a number of years. I do not come over 'lightly, nor do I take your precious time for granted. I try to do my own research before posting. I just needed a personal response from someone who had pruned at off times (from what other sources recommend) . I thank you sincerely for sharing your knowledge, documenting your responses with photos.. In short, I am overwhelmingly grateful for your help. I received a personal e mail.. I guess someone took some kind of offense at something I said. Believe me, the sentiments expressed above (the paragraph just above this one ) are heartfelt. THANK YOU THANK YOU!, Alice

This forum is for the discussion of gardening by and for people with physical limitations and is meant to cover everything from raised gardens to easy-to-use tools. It needs FULL SUN and will always grow towards the light.