Species Hong Kong orchid tree
Magenta flower with magenta-green buds, white stigma, pink-beige  style, beige  anthers, pink-white filaments, and green leaves.

Hong Kong orchid tree

Bauhinia blakeana

The Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana) is an incredible species and a true marvel of nature. It is a fast-growing tree with large, eye-catching purple blooms that look just like an orchid flower. Its deeply divided leaves provide a unique texture to its branches that makes it a great addition to any landscape. Additionally, this species is a great pollinator of other plants and boasts an incredible tolerance to drought and dry soils. It's easy to see why this stunning species has become a symbol of Hong Kong, its striking beauty is the epitome of strength and resilience.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 11

Flowers:

Rose-purple to rose-crimson Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana) should be watered regularly, with a deep watering once a week during the active growing season, spring and summer. During this time, the soil should be moist but not saturated. Water the tree deeply at the soil line, and allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out before watering again. In the winter when the tree is dormant, it should only be watered once a month.

sunlight

The Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana) needs full sun in order to thrive. During the summer months, this tree should have direct sunlight for 6-8 hours a day. In the winter, it should receive full sun for at least 4 hours a day and some indirect light for the remainder of the day. The amount and intensity of the sun will also vary depending on the time of year and the region in which the tree is growing. In general, it is best to plant the Hong Kong orchid tree in a spot that gets direct sunlight for as many hours as possible.

pruning

The Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana) should be pruned during the dormant season (December to March). Pruning should be done selectively, removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as suckers and water sprouts. Light pruning can be carried out to shape the tree and maintain its natural form. When cutting back branches, avoid cutting back to a size that will create wounds. Instead, prune just above a balanced group of lateral buds or branch collar. Heavy pruning to rejuvenate a tree should be avoided, as it may disfigure the unique bloom shape.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Hong Kong orchid tree typically starts flowering in late April or early May.

Hardiness Map