Orchid Tree Care

The orchid tree produces color from winter through spring, with breathtaking reddish-purple flowers as large as 6 inches across. 

One of the most beautiful Florida flowering trees, this is an ideal mid-size tree for snowbirds because of its winter color.

It can act as a shade tree and/or privacy plant, with its fast growth and wide canopy.

Plant specs

A fast grower to 30 to 40 feet, this tree prefers a well-drained full to part sun location with plenty of room to spread out.

Like all fast-growing trees, the wood is less dense than, say, a live oak which grows more slowly. Therefore it's best to avoid planting in a high wind area.

This tree is considered moderately cold-tolerant, growing best in Zone 10 and warmer areas of Zone 9.

Though these trees are evergreen, they can lose leaves in an especially cold winter. The foliage - large gray-green, butterfly-shaped leaves - is attractive in itself and the long, droopy branches create a unique silhouette as they grow into a large, rounded canopy.

When many other plants aren't in bloom, one of these magnificent purple-flowering trees can light up an entire landscape. The blossoms usually appear November through March.

The flowers attract butterflies and birds including hummingbirds. Too big for a small yard, the orchid tree is best suited for a large property or as a single specimen in a medium-sized landscape. The one pictured above will likely outgrow its spot at some point.

Plant care

Add top soil or organic peat humus to the hole when you plant. You can also add in composted cow manure to help enrich the soil around the root ball.

Young trees may have a gangly, irregular look to them, so you can trim branch ends after the bloom cycle is over in order to shape the tree more to your liking.

Water on a regular basis, but, once it's well-established, give the tree time to dry out between waterings. This practice will promote heavier bloom.

Fertilize 3 times a year - once each in spring, summer and autumn - with a good granular fertilizer.

Plant spacing

Because this tree grows fairly large, you'll need to allow enough room for the branches to spread out.

Place at least 8 to 10 feet from the house.

Come in a minimum of 8 feet from a walk or driveway so low or drooping branches - or fallen blossoms - won't be a problem.

If you're planting a row of orchid trees, space them at least 8 to 10 feet apart.

These trees will grow in a large container while young.

Light

The Hong Kong orchid tree tolerates a range of light conditions. It will bloom in full sun, partial sun or partial shade.

Soil

This tree is best grown in loamy, sandy soil that is slightly acidic. The soil should be moist and well-drained. If planting in clay soils, be sure to add amendments such as compost to create a more crumbly texture. 

Water

Although the Hong Kong orchid tree prefers a moist loamy soil environment, its water needs are low to average. It is very drought tolerant, and overwatering may cause it to bloom less vigorously.

Temperature and Humidity

This tree is best suited to a tropical or subtropical climate but will tolerate a light frost and can withstand temperatures down to 22 degrees for short periods in winter. It likes to dry out between waterings, so a humid environment is not ideal for this tree.

Fertilizer

The Hong Kong orchid tree benefits from a fertilizer application three times a year, in spring summer and autumn. Use a basic granular organic fertilizer, mixing it in with the top layer of soil, and be sure to check the weather forecast to make sure it’s not going to rain for at least 3 days after you apply it. This will ensure the fertilizer starts to feed the tree and enrich the soil and is not washed away too quickly by rain.

Botanical Name: Bauhinia 

Common Name: orchid tree

Mature Size: Up to 40 ft. tall

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Soil Type: Moist, well-drained loam

Soil pH: Acidic to neutral

Bloom Time: November through March

Flower Color: Reddish, purple, pink

Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (USDA)

Native Area: India, China, Africa

Planting Instructions Here