Hong Kong Orchid Tree Bauhinia x blakeana

This broadleaf specimen is a hybrid multitrunked semi-evergreen flowering tree that has an umbrella-like form along with an irregular crown.  Its large, orchid-like flowers come in a range of colors, from reddish to pink.  They range in size from 5 to 6 inches.  The gray-green foliage is somewhat deciduous, although its deciduous nature will take place later than expected. The genus name honors 16th Century Swiss botanists and herbalists Johann and Gaspard Bauhin who were identical twins and, thus, reference the bi-lobed leaves unique to genus plants. The hybrid name honors Sir Henry Blake, plant enthusiast and governor of Hong Kong from 1898 to 1903, and his wife Lady Edith Blake.

It grows best in full sun in a variety of soil types, but in a relatively narrow zone (USDA zones 9 to 11).  Good drainage is important and it is best to protect  the plant from frost to prevent damage to the foliage. It thrives in heat but the leaves may turn brown along the edges in dry heat or drought. Established trees have good drought tolerance. It will not survive a cold, hard, extended frost. Foliage suffers damage when temperatures dip below freezing and the tree will often not survive temperatures below 26 degrees F. Site the plant in a location where it can be protected from cold winds.  

When young, prune the tree at regular intervals.  This will help to achieve a more uniform crown as the tree ages. the plant tends to grow as a multi-stemmed/trunked tree; however, it can be trained to be a single-trunked specimen.  If allowed to grow as a multi-trunk tree, the mature tree may be susceptible to breakage at the crotch.  

This sterile hybrid is not propagated from seed, there are no seed pods on the plant.  Propagation can only be accomplished by cuttings, layering, or grafting onto seedlings of one of the parent species.  All existing plants are descendants of hybrids cultivated at the Hong Kong Botanical Gardens.  The lack of seed pods makes this tree more desirable than others of its type that drop their pods and require clean-up. Surface roots are rarely a problem.

This plant may be confused with Bauhinia purpurea.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

Chinese rose beetle may damage the leaves.  As the tree ages, the limbs tend to droop, which may require pruning to allow clearance under the canopy.