Bauhinia jenningsii

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Bauhinia jenningsii (Cows Tongue) is a beautiful yet unusual medium sized evergreen shrub or small tree native to Cuba, Mexico (Yucatan). Growing from 5-20 feet tall, its leaves have a distinctive fused leaf pattern and its buds, thick and cylindrical, unfold into a lovely mix of pendant pink, red, crimson, vinous, yellow and orange flowers resembling Fuchsia or Lonicera. This is the perfect choice for a yard which welcomes butterflies and humming birds.

Bauhinia jenningsii does well in full sun and moderate water conditions. With the right care, it can reach its peak growth rate in its first two years. It's important to ensure regular deep soaking to promote root growth. The shrub should receive monthly nutrients and should be pruned regularly.

In cold regions, Bauhinia jenningsii can be grown in a pot. While mature plants are cold hardy to 30s Fahrenheit for a short amount of time, it is important to remember that the cold can damage the soft bark. To protect the plant, it is recommended to use a plastic bag around the pot and fill with straw. Doing this regularly during winter months will help to keep the plant secured and healthy.

Similar plants:

• Bauhinia acuminata (Dwarf White Orchid Tree, White Bauhinia, Kaa-long, Snowy Orchid)
• Bauhinia aureifolia (Gold Leaf Bauhinia, Bai Mai Si Thong)
• Bauhinia bassacensis, Phanera bassacensis (Bauhinia)
• Bauhinia bidentata, Phanera bidentata (Orange Bauhinia, Orange Orchid Vine)
• Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree)
• Bauhinia bowkeri (Kei White Bauhinia, Bowker's Bauhinia, Keibeesklou)
• Bauhinia corymbosa, Phanera corymbosa (Vining bauhinia, Climbing Bauhinia, Camel's foot)
• Bauhinia cunninghamii, Lysiphyllum cunninghamii (Jigal Tree, Kimberley Bauhinia)
• Bauhinia divaricata (Butterfly Orchid Tree)
• Bauhinia forficata, Bauhinia candicans (Pata de Vaca, Brazilian Orchid Tree)