Hong Kong Orchid Tree
Quick Introduction to the Hong Kong Orchid Tree
The Hong Kong Orchid Tree, known by the scientific name Bauhinia blakeana, is just the plant for someone seeking to add a dash of the tropics to their garden. These plants have a striking purple flower and when in bloom the heady scent of the flowers attracts bees and butterflies to the garden. The 4-6 inches large flowers, the fragrance and the colors can be a gratifying treat for the successful gardener. You can choose to enjoy the flowers in the garden or cut them and use them in floral arrangements where you can expect them to last for up to a week.
The Bauhinia blakeana has special social and cultural significance in Hong Kong and it is fitting because this tree was first discovered in the region. A former British governor of Hong Kong is said to have found it in 1880 and there is reason to believe that the flower blakeana may have been named after him. The other theory is that the flower is named after the wife of botanist S.T. Dunn, who first described the species. Today the Hong Kong Orchid Tree is the floral symbol of Hong Kong and is also part of the flag since 1997. The leaves of the tree are called 'clever leaf' in the vernacular and it is considered a symbol of quick learning. So, if you choose to grow this tree you can have the added joy of knowing its symbolic associations.
This topical perennial can grow up to 30 to 40 feet in height and has a USDA hardiness rating for zones 9b, 10a, 10b and 11. It is most famous for its purple flowers, which have been mistaken for an orchid, though it also has varieties that have pink and white flowers. The tree is not a real orchid but the exotic quality of the flowers is very similar to the orchid. The Hong Kong orchid tree does well in full and partial sunlight and needs a light shade. The foliage of this deciduous tree is smooth textured and described as heart-shaped. The flowering season lasts from November well into April and May. When the tree sheds the flowers you can expect to have a carpet of pink around the base of the tree.
This tree can be grown from softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings and air layering but as its seeds are sterile it cannot be propagated from seeds. The tree thrives in mildly acidic and acidic types of soil. It needs to be watered regularly although owners need to watch out for over-watering. Once it has become established, it is actually drought resistant. When choosing a location for your Hong Kong orchid tree plan for about 20-25 feet of space around the tree to allow for growth and spreading. The plant is generally hardy and is known to adapt well to new places if planted in good quality top soil. Some gardeners do find the young plants are susceptible to bugs like the snails, slugs and weevils - this seems to be a factor of the region where the plant is being grown. The tree cannot handle frost and cold winds and cannot be grown outside where the temperatures are likely to drop below 20 degrees.
Once established, the tree really does not need much special attention. Because its seeds are sterile, you do not have to worry about self-sowing or unplanned propagation. Pruning is not a necessary aspect of care but you can trim after the flowering season to maintain the shape of the tree and to encourage fresh growth in the tree.