Fabaceae

Bauhinia

bow-HIN-ee-ah Audio

Bauhinia species are grown for their orchid-like flowers with 5 irregular petals that can be white, pink, orange, red, magenta, or purple-blue. Leaves are alternate, simple, and often 2-lobed.  Some species bear fragrant flowers.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsFrom damp to dry forest and grassland in tropical and subtropical regions.

CareWhere not hardy, grow in a warm greenhouse in soil-based potting mix in full light. Reduce water in winter. Elsewhere, grow as a specimen plant or in a border in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Water freely during drought.

PropagationRoot semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

ProblemsSpider mites, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, fungal leaf spots, stem galls, and root rots occur.

Species and cultivars

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide