Bauhinia corymbosa – Orchid Vine

Description

Bauhinia corymbosa

Family: Fabaceae
Packet: 8 seeds

Description

Bauhinia corymbosa is a woody climbing vine from southern China, prized for its clusters of small white to pale pink, orchid-like flowers, often marked with darker pink veins. Its paired, rounded leaf lobes give it an attractive butterfly-like appearance. Train it over a trellis, pergola or fence in a warm, sheltered garden. It is sometimes listed under the updated botanical name Cheniella corymbosa.

Key Features

• Flowers: Clusters of pale pink to white flowers with darker pink markings.
• Foliage: Small, rounded, two-lobed green leaves.
• Habit: Woody climber or spreading ornamental vine.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun to part shade with climbing support.
• Soil: Well-drained garden soil.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment; avoid persistently wet roots.
• Climate: Prefers warm conditions; protect young plants from frost.

Seed Propagation

1. Prepare: Scarify the hard seed coat lightly with sandpaper or a file, avoiding damage to the embryo.
2. Soak: Place treated seeds in warm water overnight until the seed coat takes up moisture.
3. Sow: Sow approximately 5 mm deep in free-draining seed-raising mix.
4. Conditions: Keep around 20–25°C in bright, indirect light, with the mix lightly moist.

Germination timing varies with seed freshness, temperature and growing conditions.

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.