Bauhinia blakeana
Hong Kong Orchid Tree
Hong Kong (discovered 1880; natural hybrid or unique species)
Overview
Bauhinia blakeana is the Hong Kong orchid tree, growing 180–360 inches (450–900 cm) tall and 120–240 inches (300–600 cm) wide. Deep orchid-pink to purple-red flowers 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) with 5 overlapping petals and dark veining, resembling orchid blooms — each flower has one petal with a contrasting darker blotch. Flowers from fall through spring (November–March), an extended bloom season of 14–16 weeks. Sterile: B. blakeana does not produce seed pods — this distinguishes it from B. variegata (orchid tree, pink to lavender, produces large flat seed pods, self-seeds aggressively). The sterility eliminates the aggressive self-seeding and the heavy seed pod litter of other Bauhinia spp. species. The floral emblem of Hong Kong — depicted on the Hong Kong flag and coins. Bilobed (butterfly-shaped) leaves 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) — the genus is named after the Bauhin brothers (16th-century botanists who were twins), reflected in the twin-lobed leaf. In the legume family (Fabaceae spp.). Semi-evergreen: drops some leaves before peak flowering. Lightly fragrant. Native to Hong Kong, where it was discovered in 1880 near the ruins of a house in Pokfulam — the species may be a natural hybrid of B. variegata × B. purpurea, or a distinct species. All known trees descend from the original specimen. Drought-tolerant once established. Frost-tender at 28°F (−2°C). Non-toxic. Zones 9–11. Growth rate is moderate to fast.
Native Range
Discovered in Hong Kong in 1880 near Pokfulam. May be a natural hybrid of B. variegata × B. purpurea or a distinct species. All known trees descend from the original specimen.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen or street tree in zones 9–11. Full sun. The extended fall-through-spring bloom season and the absence of seed pod litter make it a cleaner alternative to B. variegata. Non-toxic. The floral emblem of Hong Kong.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep orchid-pink to purple-red with dark veiningFoliage Description
Medium green, bilobed (butterfly-shaped)Growing 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
Full sun (6+ hours). Drought-tolerant once established. Frost-tender at 28°F (−2°C). Sterile — no messy seed pods (unlike other Bauhinia species). Semi-evergreen. Non-toxic. Zones 9–11.Pruning
Prune for shape after flowering ends in spring. Remove dead, crossing, or inward-growing branches. Train with a central leader for structural strength. The semi-evergreen habit means some leaf drop before peak bloom is normal.Pruning Schedule
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