Hong Kong Orchid Tree – Beautiful Orchid-Like Blooms

The Hong Kong Orchid Tree, also known as Bauhinia blakeana, is a tropical flowering tree that grows 20 – 40 feet tall with a spread of 20 - 25 feet.

The rounded crown is composed of grayish-green leaves and beautiful orchid-like blooms.

Flowers consist of five overlapping petals and appear in clusters at branch tips. They are four to six inches in diameter, and bloom in shades of purple, rose, and pink from late winter to early summer.

The evergreen leaves are two to four inches long and rounded with lobed ends and heart shaped bases.

The flowers are sterile, they will not set seed – this means that Hong Kong Orchid Trees will not drop pods like other orchid trees.

They flower best in dry soil and are drought tolerant. Occasional pruning is necessary to maintain preferred shape. 

Hong Kong Orchid Tree - Growing Information and Plant Care Tips

Hardiness

Bauhinia blakeana grows best in USDA Zone 9B – 11. This tropical tree will usually recover from brief freezes after dropping its leaves. It will grow to its full height in tropical locations; however, will likely stay shrub like when exposed to frost and/or freezing temperatures. Avoid temperatures below 30° F (-3.3°C).

Lighting

In order to bloom well, Orchid Trees require full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Water newly planted trees daily to establish the root system in the surrounding soil. Since orchid trees are drought tolerant, seasonal rains will provide sufficient moisture.

Propagation

Propagation is by cuttings or air-layering – there are no seeds.

Soil

Bauhinia blakeana prefer fertile, well-draining soil.

Pruning

Only minimal pruning is required to maintain shape. The best time to prune is after flowering.

Pests and Diseases

Possible pests include borers, caterpillars, and mites. Keep an eye out for leaf spot, leaf scorch diseases.

Display Tips

Orchid Trees can be used to create shade, line a driveway or walkway, or be featured as a focal point in tropical and subtropical landscapes.

Hong Kong Orchid Trees - Planting Tips

Dig a hole two feet wide and two feet deep (at least twice the size of the root ball). Place the root ball in the hole.

Back fill the hole with the native soil that was removed. You can finish the hole by making the surrounding soil an inch or two recessed to form a watering basin.

Supply nutrients to the newly planted tree by adding a thin layer of compost to the tip of the soil. This will also help to conserve moisture.