Bauhinia semibifida, Phanera semibifida

Native to Malaysia, the Trailing Bauhinia (Bauhinia semibifida) is an evergreen vine or creeper that is perfect for adding a touch of fragrance and color to your outdoor space. Despite its tropical origin, this plant can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11 and is not particularly fussy about the care it is offered.

This trailing climber of royal colors is often mistaken for the Oleander (Nerium oleander), given that they share similar flowers and foliage. It's easy to identify a Bauhinia though, thanks to its distinctive butterfly shaped leaves, with a golden sheen due to the fine hairs on the underside of the leaf. The flowers bloom in a variety of hues including white and off-white which eventually turn to yellow and orange.

The Trailing Bauhinia will reward you with it's dazzling beauty and sweet fragrance all year long, provided it is given full sun or semi-shade, regular or moderate water and occasional fertilizer. Growing in a pot is relatively easy, even for regions experiencing cold weather, as long as you monitor the soil's water content and store in a location that offers protection from the cold.

This vigorous climber is also drought tolerant, making it a great choice for those of us who have busy lifestyles. It looks great when grown against a trellis or up a wall, and can reach up to 30 ft, creating numerous vertical focal points that are sure to add a touch of class to any garden.

Similar plants:

• Bauhinia bassacensis, Phanera bassacensis (Bauhinia)
• Bauhinia bidentata, Phanera bidentata (Orange Bauhinia, Orange Orchid Vine)
• Bauhinia corymbosa, Phanera corymbosa (Vining bauhinia, Climbing Bauhinia, Camel's foot)
• Bauhinia kockiana, Bauhinia coccinea, Phanera coccinea (Red Trailing Bauhinia)
• Bauhinia purpurea, Phanera purpurea (Orchid Tree, Butterfly Tree)
• Bauhinia variegata, Phanera variegata (Orchid tree, Purple orchid tree, Mountain ebony, Poor Man's orchid)
• Bauhinia yunnanensis, Phanera yunnanensis (Chinese Orchid Tree, Yunnan Orchid, Orchid Vine)
• Bauhinia acuminata (Dwarf White Orchid Tree, White Bauhinia, Kaa-long, Snowy Orchid)
• Bauhinia aureifolia (Gold Leaf Bauhinia, Bai Mai Si Thong)
• Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree)