Bauhinia variegata – Pink Orchid Tree

Description

Bauhinia variegata – Pink Orchid Tree

Family: Fabaceae
Packet Size: 8 seeds

Description

Bauhinia variegata is an ornamental tree from southern Asia, valued for its large orchid-like flowers and distinctive two-lobed leaves. This seed lot is sold as the pink-flowering selection, whose blooms may range from soft rose to pinkish purple with contrasting markings.

The tree usually develops a rounded, spreading canopy and may be briefly deciduous in a cool or dry season. It makes an attractive flowering feature in warm gardens with room for its mature crown.

Key Features

• Flowers: Large, five-petalled, pink to mauve blooms with a showy orchid-like appearance.
• Foliage: Broad, two-lobed leaves that resemble a butterfly in outline.
• Habit: Small to medium ornamental tree with a spreading canopy.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun encourages flowering; a little shelter benefits newly planted trees.
• Soil: Fertile, freely draining soil; avoid prolonged waterlogging.
• Climate: Best in warm subtropical and tropical areas; protect young plants from significant frost.
• Care: Water while establishing and prune lightly if needed to form a balanced canopy.

Propagation from Seed

1. Prepare: Soak intact seeds overnight in room-temperature to lukewarm water. If seeds remain hard and do not swell, gently abrade the coat in a small area away from the embryo.
2. Sow: Plant roughly 5–10 mm deep in clean, free-draining seed mix.
3. Germinate: Keep warm and evenly moist, not saturated, in bright filtered light.
4. Grow on: Pot up well-rooted seedlings and gradually harden off before planting outside.

Seed-Grown Variation

These seeds are associated with a pink-flowering parent or selection. Individual seed-grown plants can differ in flowering shade and other characteristics.

Growing Note

This introduced tree can reproduce by seed in warm environments. Check local planting suitability and avoid planting next to sensitive bushland where it may naturalise.

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.