Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Blake's Bauhinia
Regarded as one of the most attractive flowering trees in the world, Bauhinia x blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree) is a small evergreen tree with an umbrella-shaped canopy of bi-lobed, gray-green leaves, 6-8 in. long (15-20 cm), resembling butterfly wings. Blooming profusely from fall to spring, ravishing orchid-like, rich rose-pink flowers shine against the foliage and attract hummingbirds. Fragrant, the flowers are larger than on other Bauhinia, up to 6 in. across (15 cm), and they last longer. The exact origin of this hybrid is not fully clear, but it is believed its parents are B. purpurea and B. variegata. It originated in Hong Kong in 1880 and apparently all the cultivated trees derive from one cultivated at the Hong Kong Botanic Gardens. Bauhinia x blakeana is sterile and does not set seed, so it will not drop long pods as other orchid trees do. Its foliage can be tardily deciduous, dropping off some of its leaves around bloom time. A desirable street or shade tree for tropical, sub-tropical, and fairly frost-free areas (tolerates light frosts and temperatures down to 25°F or -4°C). Bauhinia x blakeana is the official floral emblem of Hong Kong. Great cut flowers.
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 13, 19, 21, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Leguminosae |
Common names | Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Orchid Tree |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m) |
Spread |
20' - 25' (6.1m - 7.6m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 13, 19, 21, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Leguminosae |
Common names | Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Orchid Tree |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m) |
Spread |
20' - 25' (6.1m - 7.6m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
How many Bauhinia x blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Bauhinia x blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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