Bauhinia variegata
Purple Orchid Tree
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Deciduous, Shrubs, Trees
BAUHINIAThese flamboyant flowering trees and shrubs have a very special place in Hawaii and mild-winter areas of California and Arizona. They vary greatly by species and climate. Common to all garden bauhinias are twin “leaves,” actually twin lobes. Thin crowded growth after bloom.
Bauhinia variegataNative to India, China. The plant is hardy to 22°F/–6°C. Most frequently planted bauhinia. Inclined to grow as a many-stemmed shrub, but if staked and pruned, becomes an attractive 20 to 35 ft. tree. Wonderful show of light pink to orchid purple, broad-petaled, 2–3-in.-wide flowers, usually winter into spring; spectacular street tree where spring is reliably and steadily warm. Light green, broad lobed leaves generally drop in midwinter. After bloom, it produces huge crop of messy-looking beans; trim them off if you wish (trimming brings new growth earlier).
Tipuana tipu
Grows to 25 to 40 ft. tall, 30 to 60 ft. wide (or larger). Has broad, flattened crown that is wider th...
Brugmansia versicolor
The most treelike species, to 15 ft. tall and wide. Very large (15-in.) flowers are a peachy apricot c...
Brugmansia
South American natives often confused with plants in the genus Datura (low-growing, herbaceou...
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