Bauhinia are a group of over 200 species of tropical and sub tropical plants ranging from small shrubs to medium sized trees.
It is Bauhinia variegata that is one of the more widely offered varieties, also known as the ‘Orchid Tree’ it comes in two forms, one pink flowering and one white flowering.
Bauhinia x blakeana is another and this one is believed to be a chance hybrid, and it is the floral emblem of Hong Kong
Bauhinia acuminata is Dwarf White Orchid Tree also known as White Mountain Ebony, reach around 3m in height it is very long flowering in warmer climates but is not frost or drought tolerant.
How To grow Bauhinia Trees
All Species require a warm sub tropical to tropical climate to grow at their best.
- A humus rich well drained soil is required.
- A position protected from frosts, cold winds and hot drying winds is best.
- Full sun to a little afternoon shade is recommended.
- Regular application of a slow release organic type fertiliser will enhance growth and flowering.
You can grow Bauhinia in cooler climates if you can provide a suitable micro climate.
Pruning
The time to prune is after flowering. Regular pruning is not required. Pruning to size and shape is most common.
A little pruning will keep the tree to a smaller size. Its natural habit is to develop a short trunk and then a spreading canopy.
Are Bauhinia regarded as Weeds?
Weed potential does exist for these plants depending on the climate and the location where they are grown. The fruit or seed pods contain seeds that can escape into water ways.
In many areas they are regarded as weeds or potential weeds. In urban areas they are widely grown, they should not be planted where they can spread into bushland.
The Red Bauhinia is B. galpinii this is shrubby plant that can be invasive. It tends to scramble into smaller trees.
Bauhinia monandra is regarded as a weed in Northern Queensland
Are Bauhinia Deciduous?
Some species are evergreen and others are deciduous. This is a tree that is deciduous during the dry season.
The colder and or drier the climate the more foliage the plant will drop. A frost free climate is essential.
The name ‘Orchid Tree’ comes from the shape of the flowers.
Bauhinia plants and species for the garden
- B. galpinii (Red Orchid Bush) is a large scrambling shrub also known as ‘Pride of the Cape’
- B. blakeana or ‘Hong Kong Orchid Tree’ is a deciduous species growing to around 15m
- B. purpurea is known as the Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Butterfly Tree or Purple Camel’s Foot
- B. variegata as the Camel’s Foot Tree.
- B. monandra – Pink/White flowers small tree to around 6 – 10m in height
Summary Information
- Botanical Name : Bauhinia variegata
- Common Names : Orchid tree
- Origin : Hybrid
- Family : Caesalpiniaceae
- Genus : Selaginella
- Cultivar Name:’Quintessence’
- Plant Type : Low growing Shrub
- Exposure/ Light : Sun to part shade
- Soil Type : Sandy loam, loam, humus rich.
- Soil Moisture : Well-drained, moisture retentive
- pH Level : Slightly Acid to Neutral
- Climate Zone : Cool temperate temperate
- Drainage : Very good drainage
- Water requirements : Medium
- Bloom time: Spring
- Flower color: White flushed with pink
- Height: To 30cm
- Width : To 90 cm
- Growth Habit : Forms a low growing mound over time
- Lifespan : Perennial
- Landscaping Uses : Ornamental tree, small shade tree.
- Garden Styles ; N/A
- Special Uses : Ornamental novelty