Bauhinia variegata, Spring Orchid Tree
Orchid Tree as a street tree in my neighbourhood
Bauhinia variegata var 'Candida'
The orchid trees are just coming into flower and I must say I think the white flowering form is more showy than the pink/magenta one . Depending on how cold the winter is, most of the leaves fall just before flowering commences but this year a large percentage of the curious double lobed leaves have remained spoiling the overall appearance. This tree does tend to grow in a fairly ungainly way with many lopsided branches or even multiple trunks so it needs some careful shaping when young to correct this. It is suitable for large gardens, perhaps grown as a specimen tree with lots of space around it . The flowering branches arch over quite low so the lovely flowers can be admired up close. It is native to Southeast Asia growing across a range of climates and will tolerate light frost.It is hardy and adaptable to low rainfall conditions.
Yes, I do like the orchid trees, growing in my garden and flowering beautifully.
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