Bauhinia purpurea – Purple Orchid Tree

Description

Bauhinia purpurea – Purple Orchid Tree

Family: Fabaceae
Packet Size: 8 seeds

Description

Bauhinia purpurea is a beautifully ornamental tree from southern Asia, celebrated for its striking pink-purple blossoms and unusual butterfly-shaped foliage. The flowers resemble orchids in their shape and create a dramatic effect against the green canopy.

Usually grown as a small to medium tree, it is a lovely feature for gardens with warm growing conditions and adequate space for a broad canopy. It may shed some leaves in cooler or drier weather.

Key Features

• Flowers: Showy pink to purple five-petalled orchid-like blooms.
• Foliage: Distinctive bilobed, butterfly-shaped leaves.
• Habit: Open-crowned ornamental flowering tree with a spreading shape.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Best in full sun.
• Soil: Reasonably fertile, free-draining garden soil.
• Climate: Tropical and subtropical gardens; shelter young plants from frost.
• Care: Water during establishment and allow space for roots and branches.

Propagation from Seed

1. Prepare: Soak hard-coated seeds in warm water overnight; if a seed does not swell, carefully nick or abrade a small patch of its coat away from the embryo.
2. Sow: Plant around 5–10 mm deep in clean, well-drained propagation mix.
3. Germinate: Keep warm with consistent gentle moisture and good airflow.
4. Grow on: Pot up seedlings when well rooted and gradually move into full sun.

Growing Note

This ornamental species is introduced to Australia and may self-seed in favourable environments. Check local planting and environmental weed guidance before planting near natural areas.

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.