Bauhinia galpinii – Red Bauhinia

Description

Bauhinia galpinii – Red Bauhinia / Pride of De Kaap

Family: Fabaceae
Packet Size: 8 seeds

Description

Bauhinia galpinii is a vigorous South African flowering shrub admired for its warm coral to brick-red blooms. The distinctive butterfly-shaped leaves create an attractive green background for a generous summer flowering display.

With room to spread, this scrambling plant can provide colour across a low fence, bank or sunny shrub border. Pruning can keep the naturally arching stems compact and tidy.

Key Features

• Flowers: Brilliant red to orange-red orchid-like flowers through the warm growing season.
• Foliage: Broad, two-lobed leaves characteristic of Bauhinia.
• Habit: Spreading, scrambling shrub rather than a compact, upright small tree.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun for a strong flower display.
• Soil: Well-drained soil; once established can tolerate periods of dryness.
• Climate: Performs in warm temperate through subtropical climates; protect small plants from heavy frost.
• Care: Give plenty of lateral space or support for scrambling growth, and prune to shape.

Propagation from Seed

1. Prepare: Soak seeds in warm water overnight to encourage moisture uptake.
2. Sow: Plant about 10 mm deep into a well-drained seed-raising mix.
3. Germinate: Maintain warmth and gentle even moisture; avoid leaving the mix saturated.
4. Pot on: Transfer seedlings to individual pots before the roots become congested.

Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.