Bauhinias, also known as Orchid Trees, are native to India and boast many brightly colored flowers and distinctive butterfly-shaped leaves. These stunning plants come in several varieties, including Bauhinia variegata, Bauhinia purpurea, Bauhinia acuminata, and Bauhinia tomentosa, each with unique characteristics and benefits. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to care for bauhinias in a variety of climates and conditions, as well as the reasons why they make a wonderful addition to any garden or home.
Bauhinia care in warm outdoor climates
Bauhinias thrive in warm climates, USDA zones 9-11 and require minimal care to thrive. To plant bauhinia outdoors in warm climates, follow these guidelines:
- Choose a location with full sun and protection from frost and cold winds.
- Choose fertile, well-drained soil for optimum growth.
- Plant bauhinia at the appropriate time of year, usually in spring or fall.
- Water the plant sparingly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize using a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Prune as needed after flowering to maintain desired shape and size.
Bauhinia care in cold climates
For those who live in colder climates, USDA zones 3-8, planting bauhinia in a pot is the best option to protect the plant from cold temperatures. Follow these cold climate care tips:
- Choose a pot of the right size, make sure it has good drainage and enough room for the plant to grow.
- Plant bauhinia in a good quality potting mix.
- Place the pot in a sunny spot, ideally near a south-facing window.
- Keep an eye on the temperature, as bauhinias thrive between 60 and 85°F.
- Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out a little between waterings.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.
- Move the pot indoors during low temperatures to protect the plant from the cold.
Growing bauhinia indoors
While bauhinias can grow quite large, choosing smaller varieties or pruning the plants regularly will allow you to grow them indoors. To grow bauhinia indoors, consider the following guidelines:
- Choose a small variety such as Bauhinia acuminata, Bauhinia tomentosa, Bauhinia grandidieri, or be prepared to prune the plant to keep its size.
- Choose a pot with proper drainage and enough room to grow.
- Place the pot in a location with sufficient sunlight, such as near a south-facing window.
- Maintain temperature between 60-85°F for optimal growth.
- Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out a little between waterings.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.
- Provide additional lighting if natural light is not enough.
Why bauhinias are great plants
Bauhinias offer many benefits that make them a great choice for any garden or home. These stunning plants provide:
- Beautiful, showy flowers with vibrant colors.
- Distinctive butterfly-shaped leaves that add unique visual interest.
- Versatile growth habit suitable for various climates and conditions.
- Drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements make them an easy addition to any garden.
bauhinia species
Each variety of bauhinia has its own unique characteristics, but they all have characteristic butterfly-shaped leaves and beautiful, slightly fragrant flowers. These qualities make bauhinia a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers looking to add color, fragrance and visual interest to their outdoor spaces.
- Bauhinia variegata (mountain ebony or orchid): This medium-sized tree native to India can reach 20 to 40 feet in height and 10 to 20 feet in width. It has dark brown smooth bark and leaves in the shape of a cow’s hoof. Flowers appear in the cold season after leaf fall and range in color from purple, lavender, or purple with a deeper patch of color at the base of one or two petals. The tree is known for its fast growth, low maintenance and frost resistance. It is often used in landscape design for its beauty, as a hedge.
- Bauhinia purpurea (purple bauhinia or geranium tree): Similar to mountain ebony, purple bauhinia is a medium-sized tree with flowers ranging from mauve, lilac, deep pink to whitish. Leaves fall during the cold season and flowers appear between September and December, followed by greenish-purple pods that give the tree a drooping appearance.
- Bauhinia acuminata (dwarf white bauhinia): This small evergreen shrub is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its attractive, fragrant and pure white flowers. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. Bauhinia acuminata is relatively low maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and growing conditions.
- Bauhinia tomentosa (Yellow Bauhinia): Originating from Ceylon, this tree is called Sana in Marathi and has showy yellow flowers speckled with red. On the day of Dasara, this tree is worshiped and its leaves are used as tokens to obtain gold. This cultivar includes small shrubs, extensive vines and trees with tiny cupped flowers. The leaves and flowers are fragrant, and the leaves always have the characteristic split shape of Bauhinia.
- Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree): Bauhinia blakeana is an infertile hybrid that is considered a natural cross between Bauhinia variegata and Bauhinia purpurea. This tree is native to Hong Kong, and its beautiful, large, orchid-like flowers have made it the emblem of the city and even featured on the flag of Hong Kong. The tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and has large, thick and glossy leaves with serrated tips. The flowers are usually dark purple or reddish purple with a faint but sweet fragrance. They flower from November to March and do not produce seed pods, making it especially popular as an ornamental tree.
- Bauhinia grandidieri (Bauhinia grandidieri): Endemic to Madagascar, Bauhinia grandidieri is a small to medium tree that can grow up to 20 to 25 feet tall. Its leaves have a typical butterfly shape, but are smaller and more delicate than other bauhinia species. The tree produces large, showy and fragrant flowers that range from pink to white, with a darker pink or purple center. Flowers bloom between October and December, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Due to habitat loss and overexploitation of its valuable timber, Bauhinia grandidieri is considered an endangered species in Madagascar and efforts are being made to conserve and protect this unique tree.
Bauhinias, with their beautiful showy flowers and distinctive leaves, are a versatile and low maintenance option for both outdoor gardens and indoors. By following the appropriate care recommendations in warm and cold climates, as well as indoors, you will be able to enjoy the stunning beauty of bauhinia all year round.
