Bauhinia galpinii (Pride of De Kaap)

Bauhinia galpinii, commonly known as Red Bauhinia, Pride of De Kaap, or African Plume, is a semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to southern Africa. It naturally grows in warm, dry woodlands, rocky hillsides, and bushveld vegetation. Unlike many tree-forming bauhinias, it develops long, arching or scrambling branches, forming a spreading shrub typically six to ten feet tall and considerably wider, or climbing through surrounding vegetation. The distinctive leaves are deeply divided into two rounded lobes, resembling butterfly wings. From summer into autumn, it produces abundant clusters of brilliant orange-red to brick-red flowers, each with five narrow, slightly crinkled petals and prominent stamens. The flowers are followed by flattened, woody seed pods.

Bauhinia galpinii thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating poor, rocky conditions and seasonal drought once established. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub in warm climates, especially for covering fences, walls, and slopes, or trained as a sprawling specimen. Regular pruning helps control its vigorous, spreading growth. Suitable for USDA Zones 9b-11, established plants may withstand brief light frosts, although severe freezing can damage the branches.

Learn more: Bauhinias: trees with Orchid Flowers and Butterfly Wings