Fabaceae - Botanical Family

Bauhinia bowkeri is widely cultivated due to its attractive foliage and white and off-white flowers which are abundant during warmer weather and attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. It is hardy in the warmer regions of USDA hardiness Zones 9-11 and can be grown as an evergreen in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates. It does not tolerate cold, and in areas where the temperature drops below freezing, it should be grown in containers and kept in an area that receives full sun and moderate water during the growing season.

When grown in a pot, Bauhinia bowkeri should be placed in an area that receives full sun. The soil should be kept slightly moist and well-draining, to prevent root rot. During frost and cold temperatures, it should be moved into a warm, sheltered location and covered with a thick blanket to insulate it. The mature plant can tolerate temperatures in the low 30s F for a short time. Also, being grown in a container also helps insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures. It should not receive too much water during cold weather, so as to minimize root damage.

With its large, evergreen shrub and attractive foliage, Bauhinia bowkeri is an excellent addition to tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It is a low maintenance plant and offers year round color and beauty. The white and off-white flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, from butterflies to hummingbirds, and are a remarkable sight.Ultimately, Bauhinia bowkeri is a low maintenance yet beautiful addition to any garden in a warm climate.

Pretty, evergreen vine climbing by tendrils w/ dainty, bilobed leaves and clusters of lavender-pink, orchid-like flowers over long spring-fall season, displayed for a long period. It's a delicate, small-leaved but vigorous viner, adaptable to sun or light shade, and tolerates drought and light frost (zone 9). It has the characteristic Bauhinia butterfly leaves. A fine texture vine.

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A beautiful, small tree with small pink and white flowers. Ideal for spaces where they can be observed and appreciated up close.

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This small tree, which has many other names, including weak-leaved orchid tree and Brazilian orchid, can be found growing naturally in warm climates across South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It typically grows to a height of 10-20 feet, with a thick, fleshy trunk and a wide, flat crown.

This native, ethnomedical plant is a great choice for gardeners looking to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It produces fragrant, off-white to white flowers, which are five-petaled and bloom in the late summer months.

For those looking to grow Bauhinia forficata in their garden, it is important to ensure that it receives plenty of direct sunlight and regular waterings. This drought and heat tolerant species thrives in moist soils and is suitable for growing in USDA Zone 9-11.

In colder regions, Bauhinia forficata can be grown in a large pot and brought outside during the warmer months. For optimal growth, the plant should be potted in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a sunny area with plenty of air circulation. In the winter, the plant should be brought inside and kept in a bright area. Make sure to water the plant regularly, but do not overwater. Apply fertilizer during the growing season to promote optimal growth.

Medium to large shrub with brick red flowers for a long period during the summer months but will also flower sporadically throughout the rest of the year. Cold sensitive, requires regular watering until established. With just a little pruning and training it can easily be trained into an attractive small tree or large garden shrub. Easy to cultivate and requires little attention once established.

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

Very rare dwarf bauhinia, great for bonsai. It may be as well trained along an espalier, for an interesting effect. Grows 2-4 ft tall and 10 ft wide. Very tiny leaves and blueish-purple orchid-like flowers. Use it in a sunny, well-drained spot in alkaline soil, and it should always look nice.

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

Medium tree with large spreading crown and white flowers, edged in pink and deep pink or red stamens. Bifid leaves are small. Prefers full sun places. Drought tolerant once established. Slow growing when small. Seeds need to soak in several changes of very warm water before planting. Germination takes 14 to 45 days at 85oF (30oC). Makes a good container specimen or bonsai. Due to its small leaves, multi-branching habit and a slow growth rate even a young seedling looks like a miniature tree. Bonsai plants do not require much shaping since this bauhinia naturally shaped as bonsai.

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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.

Wood liane with dark peaked leaves and bright orange-red magnificent inflorescences. Absolute rarity!

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