Bauhinia Species, Butterfly Orchid Tree, Pom Pom Orchid Tree
Bauhinia divaricata
| Family: | Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Bauhinia (baw-HIN-ee-uh) (Info) |
| Species: | divaricata (dy-vair-ih-KAY-tuh) (Info) |
| Synonym: | Bauhinia mexicana |
Category:
Shrubs
Trees
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements:
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage:
Evergreen
This plant is resistant to deer
Foliage Color:
Blue-Green
Height:
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
Spacing:
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Where to Grow:
Can be grown as an annual
Danger:
Bloom Color:
White/Near White
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Summer
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel
Seed Collecting:
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Phoenix, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Spring Valley, California
Homestead, Florida
Camilla, Georgia
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Austin, Texas
Gregory, Texas
Houston, Texas(2 reports)
La Porte, Texas
Missouri City, Texas
New Braunfels, Texas(2 reports)
Richards, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Spring, Texas(2 reports)
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On Sep 17, 2020, RayB53 from Houston, TX wrote: I live in Houston, TX. Mine has grown to approx. 10ft tall and 12’ wide. It is covered with hundreds of 2” white/pink bloom from spring to winter. I rarely have to water it, even in clay soil. The swallowtails, gulf fritillaries, monarchs, and several other butterflies love it and circle it most all day in the summer. The hummingbirds also love it. It has frozen almost to the ground a couple times but always comes back bigger and better. It is my favorite plant in my yard. |
| Positive | On May 23, 2020, Cocobalanga from Viviers, I grow 2 forms: one is pure white and the second pink and white. They are very free flowering all summer but needs some shelter from harsh frost |
| Neutral | On Sep 25, 2017, DaniHotep from Dana Point, CA wrote: ...so disappointing, to learn that the flowers of B. divaricata are "tiny"! I keep hoping I will find the variety of B. that I once had, and this one is so beautiful that I thought it might make a substitute if I fail to come up with the one I loved... |
| Positive | On Oct 16, 2013, clkr from Round Top, TX wrote: highly attractive to butterflies, humming birds. often called Pata de Chivo (goat's foot) because the leaf is the shape of a goat foot print. Another orchid tree that grows much taller is often called Pata de Vaca (cow's foot) as its leaf is the shape of a cow footprint. |
| Positive | On Feb 16, 2013, TrumpetFlowerz from Ft Myers, FL (Zone 10a) wrote: Bauhinia davricata grows at a medium pace, does like fertilizer, |
| Positive | On Nov 16, 2012, Seafairy from Richards, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: Growing on my land in zone 8B in the Sam Houston National Forest. Somewhat sheltered close to stucco walls for heat once the sun sets. Moved it from another house and planted it here. Slow to start, but now growing and bloomimg vigourously! Excited to attempt propagation. |
