Bauhinia x blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree)

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.

• Grows up to 12-20 ft. tall (360-600 cm) and 20-25 ft. wide (600-750 cm).
• A full sun to light shade lover, this plant is easily grown in well-drained soils. Irrigate regularly to occasionally. Protect from cold winds. Drought tolerant once established.
• Prune to shape in early years to develop a nice rounded form.
• Propagate by vegetative cuttings, air layering, or grafting onto seedlings of one of the parent species.
• Generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for the Chinese rose beetle.
• Native to China.