Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia × blakeana): Sterile Hybrid with Giant Orchid Blooms

Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia × blakeana) is a stunning, sterile hybrid tree with large, bilobed, gray-green leaves (shaped like butterfly wings) and magnificent, orchid-like flowers 5–6 inches across in shades of pink, purple, and magenta. It blooms from late fall to spring.

Characteristics

Because it is sterile, it produces no seed pods—only flowers. The tree grows 20–40 feet tall with a spreading, rounded canopy. It is the floral emblem of Hong Kong.

Culture

Full sun; well-drained soil. Water regularly until established. Prune after flowering. Hardy in zones 9b–11. Propagated only by cuttings or air layering.

Taxonomy

• Family: Caesalpiniaceae (Fabaceae)
• Genus: Bauhinia
• Species: × blakeana