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"-6".  The gray-green foliage is somewhat deciduous, although its deciduous nature will take place later than expected.  It grows best in full sun in a variety of soil types.  Good drainage is important.  Best to protect from frost as the foliage can become damaged.  It will not survive a cold, hard, extended frost.  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.  

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 that drop their pods and require clean-up.  

Tends to grow as a multi-stemmed/trunked plant, however, it can be trained to be a single-trunked specimen.  If allowed to grow as a multi-trunk tree, as the tree ages, it may be susceptible to breakage at the crotch.  

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.