Bauhinia Purpurea's Common Name

Features

• Bauhinia purpurea is a deciduous tree that reaches a height and spread of 30 to 35 feet. Green, 2- to 4-inch leaves do not change color in autumn, but any lack of excitement from the foliage is more than compensated for by the profusion of showy purple, red or blue orchid-like flowers. 6- to 12-inch fruit pods follow the blossoms and eventually fall to the ground and create a litter mess, along with falling leaves and flowers.

Culture

• Purple orchid tree grows best in full sun with well-drained soil, but can also tolerate partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and flowers well in dry conditions. Prune the tree occasionally when it is young to avoid low-growing, drooping branches from forming a shrub-like appearance and to develop a strong structure to help mitigate branch breakage. Continue pruning occasionally for shaping throughout the life of the tree.

Pests and Diseases

• Purple orchid tree is resistant to serious diseases and pests, but can be susceptible to minor problems from mites, caterpillars, borers, leaf spot and leaf scorch diseases. Use a spray of water to remove mites from the plant, or for more serious infestations, a 1 to 2 percent solution of insecticidal soap or neem oil in water sprayed daily until the mites are controlled. Caterpillars should be removed by hand when found; monitor plants frequently for pests. For borers, pesticides are generally not effective; keeping the tree as healthy as possible and removing damaged or dead limbs is the best prevention. Leaf spot and leaf scorch diseases can generally be tolerated and no treatment is necessary, but remove fallen leaves and debris in a timely manner.

Warnings

• Bauhinia purpurea and Bauhinia variegata are both considered, non-native invasive species in Florida. Pull up any seedlings or suckers you see emerging to prevent the plant from spreading. As an alternative, the anacacho orchid tree (Bauhinia lunarioides) is native to Texas and Louisiana.