Propagation Methods: From softwood cuttings. The Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana), USDA zones 9b through 11, is evergreen and produces magenta flower clusters. Take cuttings in the early morning when the temperatures are cooler. Just continue to water the tree as normal and it will start to put out new growth in late July. Macduff Everton / The Image Bank / Getty Images. Continue to grow the cuttings until the roots are established and strong enough to be planted in an outdoor environment. Mist the cuttings and medium regularly to keep the environment moist and humid. The tree can be propagated through semi-ripe or softwood stem cuttings taken in early summer. USDA hardiness zone: 9b-10. Disease and pests: None of significance. Additional comments: Orchid tree is an excellent small to medium size flowering accent tree that tends to look ragged and tattered when fruiting. Bauhinia × blakeana (bow-HIN-ee-ə [cross] blayk-ee-AH-nə), commonly called the Hong Kong orchid tree, is a hybrid leguminous tree of the genus Bauhinia.It has large thick leaves and striking purplish red flowers. Stick the cut end of the stem into the rooting medium at a depth of one-half the length of the cutting. Lightly water the rooting medium and cover the tray with a clear plastic covering. Trees will get damaged when nights dip into the mid 20's. It survives well in drought and dry weather and … The tree can be propagated through semi-ripe or softwood stem cuttings taken in early summer. From semi-hardwood cuttings. Propagation is by cuttings and air-layering and is not easy. The orchid tree is a showy, tropical tree that is native to India and parts of Asia. Bauhinia / b oʊ ˈ h ɪ n i ə / is a large genus of flowering plants in the subfamily Cercidoideae and tribe Bauhinieae, in the large flowering plant family Fabaceae, with a pantropical distribution. There are orchid varieties with different flower colors, but the Hong Kong is an improved cultivar which won't drop nuisance seed pods (like other orchid trees do) that sprout all over the place. Place the cutting in a plastic bag until you are ready to plant it. Stick the cut end of the stem into the rooting medium at a depth of one-half the length of the cutting. Disinfect pruning tools with a solution of 9 parts water and 1 part bleach. Since this tree is a sterile hybrid, you will not have to … Cut 4-to-6-inch softwood sections from the orchid tree with a sharp knife. Bring your winter landscape to life with the large, pinkish-purple blooms of the Hong Kong Orchid Tree. The Hong Kong’s vivid blooms pop … Open the rooting tray daily to introduce fresh air inside and check the rooting medium moisture level. The orchid-like blooms, in shades of purple, red, pink, white, or yellow, are three to four inches across and produced in abundance at various times of the year, depending upon species. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Hong Kong Orchid Bauhinia blakeana. Take an orchid tree cutting in the summer. The Hong Kong orchid tree is an excellent choice for sites that have dry soil or require drought tolerance and also grows well in acidic soils. Jan 18 2021 By Maggie. It can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on its location. Links to more orchid tree … Cut a 6-inch branch from the tree. Most importantly, the Hong Kong is sterile so it does not produce the messy beans that the Purple does. The tree is hardy to plant in USDA growing zones 9 through 11 where the winters are mild. Hong Kong Orchid Tree is truly native to Hong Kong, where it's so admired that it was chosen as Hong Kong's floral emblem in 1965. Not native Growing 20 to 40 feet in height, the Hong Kong Orchid-Tree creates a rounded, spreading canopy composed of large, six to eight-inch-diameter, gray/green leaves. In this case, the trees crossed were the butterfly tree (Bauhinia purpurea) and mountain ebony (Bauhinia variegata). Regarded as one of the most attractive flowering trees in the world, Bauhinia x blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree) is a small evergreen tree with an umbrella-shaped canopy of bi-lobed, gray-green leaves, 6-8 in. Hong Kong orchid tree profile. Hong Kong Orchid Tree Pruning. Space the cuttings in the tray so the leaves do not touch and all cuttings receive light. These six-inch fragrant blooms first appear in November, just in time for the holidays, and deliver five months of eye-catching color. Since young trees can be irregularly shaped, pruning during the first several years after propagation is often needed to develop a more uniform crown. Loucks also trains for full marathons, half-marathons and shorter distance running. She now writes hobby-based articles on cooking, gardening, sewing and running. The Bauhinia x blakeana hybrid can be propagated by semi-woody cuttings collected in spring, without IBA application, or in summer, with the application of 3,000 mg L-1 of IBA. Place the tray on a germination heating mat if bottom heat is not available. 9 Recommended Species of Serviceberry Trees and Shrubs, 10 Species of Linden Trees for Your Landscape, 6 Best Perennial Flowering Vines and Climbers. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. The Hong Kong Orchid, Bauhinia blakeana is a beautiful tree that is not only gorgeous in bloom but when it is done blooming its branching structure is like no other. Bauhinia purpurea - Hong Kong Orchid Tree. Rinse the tools well and let them dry prior to using. The rounded crown is composed of grayish-green leaves and beautiful orchid-like blooms. The botanical name is written as either Bauhinia blakeana, Bauhinia 'Blakeana,' or Bauhinia x blakeana. The Hong Kong orchid tree is an excellent choice for sites that have dry soil or require drought tolerance and also grows well in acidic soils. Bauhinia blakeana can be grown in zones 9 to 11. Gently tap the stem to remove excess hormone. Orchid tree makes a spectacular specimen or shade tree or fits well into mixed shrubbery borders. All species create debris from falling petals, and the deciduous trees drop leaves. By air layering. Fill a rooting tray with the medium. Given the right conditions, the Hong Kong Orchid Tree is very easy to grow and requires no special treatment. Propagation Hong Kong orchid trees are propagated vegetatively while Purple orchid trees are propagated from seeds. Propagation of Softwood Tip Cuttings Step 1 Remove a few dozen softwood tip cuttings (actively growing tips from branch ends) from your orchid tree in … All existing plants are descendants of hybrids cultivated at the Hong Kong Botanical Gardens. The branches can be brittle and may break off on their own, however. Choose strong branches first. Hong Kong Orchid Tree , Purple camel’s foot Large orchid like flower shrub that can grow 9 m tall, it is drought tolerent and it behaves more like a climber.Available height: 40 Cm. Like its name states, Bauhinia blakeana originates from Hong Kong as far back as 1880 and was regularly cultivated in gardens as early as 1914. Propagate with Cuttings. Vanessa Richins Myers is a seasoned horticulturist, garden writer and educator with 10+ years of experience in the horticulture and gardening space. The common names used for this tree are Hong Kong orchid tree, bauhinia, and Hong Kong orchid. Place the tray in a location that offers bottom heat and indirect sunlight. Gently firm the medium around the cutting to hold it in place. So far, th. Orchid trees grow to a height of 20 to 40 feet and produce purple-colored flowers that bloom for several months. Dip the lower cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. This tree belongs to the Fabaceae (or the pea) family. Q. I have a beautiful orchid tree (Bauhinia purpurea) with dark red blooms. The Hong Kong orchid tree grows in full-sun or partial shade, but prefers full-sun. Growing 20 to 40 feet in height, Hong Kong orchid tree creates a rounded, spreading canopy composed of large, 6- to 8-inch-diameter, gray/green leaves. The common name of Hong Kong orchid tree reveals its origins, so conditions similar to that of Hong Kong are ideal. The most noteworthy characteristic of this plant is its flowers. Gently pull on the cuttings after three to four weeks to see if there is resistance from root growth. 1). The species name of blakeana is in honor of Sir Henry Blake, a British Governor of Hong Kong who enjoyed studying botany. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years. This vibrant purple Bauhinia is the perfect focal point for most gardens. The tree will reach 20 to 40 feet tall and 25 to 40 feet wide, resulting in a round shape. Propagation: Cutting or seed. The branches should have … The genus was named after the Bauhin brothers Gaspard and Johann, Swiss-French botanists.. Choose to propagate tree stock from terminal shoot growth that has not been under stress and does not have bud growth. Blooming profusely from fall to spring, ravishing orchid-like, rich rose-pink flowers shine against the foliage and attract hummingbirds. Place cuttings in a refrigerator if you will not be sticking the cuttings in rooting medium immediately. The Anacacho orchid tree grows well in the dry, lean soil of southwestern states and is becoming increasingly popular as a landscaping plant, and is cultivated along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida. The top of a refrigerator works well if light is available throughout the day. Open the rooting tray daily to introduce fresh air inside and check the rooting medium moisture level. Lightly water the rooting medium and cover the tray with a clear plastic covering. A fast grower to 30 to 40 feet, this tree prefers a well-drained full … But it is Hong Kong Orchid Tree's … Take cuttings in the early morning when the temperatures are cooler. long (15-20 cm), resembling butterfly wings. Hong Kong Orchid Tree, scientific name Bauhinia blakeana, is originally a species from China and appears in the central and southern parts of China. Unpruned trees form a rounded crown. Orchid trees grow to a height of 20 to 40 feet and produce purple-colored flowers that bloom for several months. Though the flowers are like those of orchids, the latter belongs to the Orchidaceae family. Remove all leaves from the lower one-half of the cutting. This is known as a semi-ripe or semi-hardwood cutting. Disinfect pruning tools with a solution of 9 parts water and 1 part bleach. She holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The leaves resemble a butterfly in their shape. Choose to propagate tree stock from terminal shoot growth that has not been under stress and does not have bud growth. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Since this tree is a sterile hybrid, you will not have to worry about litter from fallen fruit. The less common Hong Kong orchid tree is preferable to the more common Purple orchid tree. All Rights Reserved. The x in the last version lets you know that this is the result of hybridization. Place the cutting in a plastic bag with moist paper towels to retain moisture while making additional cuttings. You can plant Bauhinia blakeana in a location that receives full sun to part shade, but optimal growth will occur in full sun. Remove all leaves from the lower one-half of the cutting. This species is less winter hardy than most of the other orchid trees and may be badly damaged by frost and freezes. This tree was named as the floral emblem of Hong Kong and can be found on the coins, flag, and coat of arms there. The Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana) is grown both for shade and for its attractive red-purple blooms. Place cuttings in a refrigerator if you will not be sticking the cuttings in rooting medium immediately. She previously worked as a technical writer for a software development company, creating software documentation, help documents and training curriculum. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. They are somewhat cordate in shape except for the large cleft that forms at the tips. The Hong Kong orchid tree should regularly be pruned in the winter when it is young to help create a stronger structure. Plant specs. Local desert stressors on this tree are more from unrelenting abiotic factors such as summer heat and drought. They are a rich shade of purple-pink, fragrant, and can be up to 6 inches across. Transplant rooted cuttings into individual growing pots filled with sterile potting soil. Cutting propagation method of Hong Kong Orchid tree. Buy bauhinia variegated, kachnar, orchid tree 0.5 kg. The cutting should be soft, new growth that is just beginning to harden. INTRODUCTION Growing 20 to 40 feet in height, Hong Kong Orchid-Tree creates a rounded, spreading canopy composed of large, six to eight-inch-diameter, gray/green leaves (Fig. The Hong Kong Orchid Tree features large flowers that … The Hong Kong Orchid Tree, also known as Bauhinia blakeana, is a tropical flowering tree that grows 20 – 40 feet tall with a spread of 20 - 25 feet. Orchid trees can be propagated a number of ways, but propagating with cuttings is the most common, according to the University of Florida. Hong Kong Orchid Trees Bauhinia or Hong Kong Orchid is a beautiful small to medium tree grown for its butterfly shaped leaves and showy orchid-like spring flowers. Rinse the tools well and let them dry prior to using. Mix equal parts of sterile peat moss, course sand and perlite and dampen the mixture with water. $3.99 Quantity. The best time to apply Cutting propagation method of the Hong Kong orchid tree is in the spring, probably best in March or April. In late winter, large magenta blooms cover the tree, completely hiding the heart-shaped foliage which is handsome in its own right. The orchid tree is a showy, tropical tree that is native to India and parts of Asia. Pests Orchid trees have no significant pests in Arizona. And the image of its flower has been prominently featured on the Hong Kong flag since 1997. Since this is a hybrid, you will have to use methods like cuttings, air layering, and grafts to propagate the Hong Kong orchid tree. Hong Kong Orchid Tree Flower Garden Plants Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. Hong Kong Orchid Tree will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. Since young trees can be irregularly shaped, pruning during the first several years after propagation is often needed to develop a more uniform crown. The Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana) is an evergreen tropical tree that makes for an excellent specimen tree when in bloom. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, North Carolina State University: Plant Propagation by Stem Cuttings. Add to Cart. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. This sterile tree produces no fruit. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. This deciduous to semievergreen tree has a vase-shaped, open canopy with lower branches removed made up of large, bilobed, light green, papery leaves. Flowers consist of five overlapping … It is the beautiful display of orchid-like blooms, though, which make Hong Kong orchid tree so desirable for the landscape, the large, six-inch blossoms appearing in multiple shades of purple, rose, and pink during th… The tree can be propagated through semi-ripe or softwood stem cuttings taken in early summer. Propagation can only be accomplished by cuttings, layering, or grafting onto seedlings of one of the parent species. Remove the plastic covering once roots are present. The lack of seed pods makes this tree more desirable … The fragrant, orchid-like flowers are usually 10 to 15 centimetres (3.9 to 5.9 in) across, and bloom from early November to the end of March. Large leaves on the upper one-half can be cut in half to conserve space in the rooting tray and prevent excess water loss. Since young trees can be irregularly shaped, pruning during the first several years after propagation is often needed to develop a more uniform crown. The large scented pink-purple blossoms blanket the tree when they appear during summer, fall, and winter. The cutting should be from the current year’s growth and partially hardened.