Bauhinia, Genus, purpurea, Species,
- Genus & species
Purple orchid tree
Overview
Bauhinia purpurea is a semi-evergreen to deciduous tree in the Fabaceae, native to South and Southeast Asia. It reaches 20–35 feet (6–10.5 m) tall with a spread of 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m), forming a rounded, spreading crown on one or several trunks. Leaves are alternate, 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) wide, and deeply cleft at the tip into two rounded lobes that give a butterfly-wing outline, with 9–11 veins radiating from the base. Flowers are borne in loose clusters at the branch tips. Each flower is 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) across with five narrow, twisted, pink to purple-pink petals, one of which is darker, and has four to five long stamens. Flat, strap-like pods 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long and 0.5–0.75 inch (1.25–2 cm) wide follow the flowers and persist on the tree into winter, then split to release brown seeds. Wood is brittle and branches can break in strong wind. The species tolerates brief cold to about 28°F (-2°C) but is damaged by hard freezes, and is grown in USDA zones 9–11.
Native Range
South and Southeast Asia, from India and Nepal through southern China to Vietnam, in open woodland and at forest margins at low to mid elevations.Suggested Uses
Used as a flowering specimen or street tree in frost-free and near-frost-free climates, spaced 15–20 feet (4.5–6 m) from structures and other trees. Grown in large containers of 25 gallons (95 L) or more only when young.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 35'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Bloom Information
Flowers open in autumn (September–November) in the Northern Hemisphere, on bare or partly leafed branches. Bloom continues for 8–12 weeks, and individual flowers last 2–3 days. Pods mature over the following 4–6 months. Trees grown from seed flower 3–5 years after germination.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to purple-pinkFoliage Description
Medium green, paler beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Trees grow in full sun, with 6–8 or more hours of direct light, in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Young trees are watered weekly for the first growing season, and established trees tolerate dry periods of 3–4 weeks. Balanced fertilizer is applied in spring at 1 pound per inch (0.45 kg per 2.5 cm) of trunk diameter, up to 4 pounds (1.8 kg) per application. Temperatures below 28°F (-2°C) damage foliage and young shoots, and frost-damaged trees regrow from the base in zones 9–10. Roots are shallow to moderately deep, and trees are staked for the first 1–2 years. Seed pods drop in late winter and add litter beneath the canopy.Pruning
Dead and crossing branches are removed in late winter, after the danger of frost passes. Light shaping to maintain a single leader is done while the tree is under 8 feet (2.4 m) tall. Cuts larger than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter are made at the branch collar because large wounds heal slowly.Pruning Schedule
Prune: January–February
winter
