Alba White Orchid Tree

Alba White Orchid Tree (Bauhinia variegata 'Alba') is a broad, spreading flowering tree that grows to about 8m high and 6m wide. Large white flowers shaped like moth orchids cover its branches in late winter and early spring, with softly fragrant blooms returning on and off through summer. Soft grey green, heart shaped leaves complete a fine shade tree for a medium to large garden.

Why you'll love it

• Orchid shaped flowers. Large white blooms with a soft fragrance, held along the length of the branches.
• A long display. Peak flowering comes in late winter and early spring, with more flowers on and off through summer.
• Flowers on bare branches. In cooler climates the tree is deciduous and flowers on leafless wood, so every bloom shows.
• Heart shaped leaves. The large, soft grey green leaves are an attraction in their own right when the tree is not in flower.
• Easy to look after. Average water needs and little fuss once it has settled in.

Where it works best

Shade tree. The short trunk and broad crown cast good shade over a lawn or patio. Give it 6m from buildings, paving and other trees so the crown can spread.

Feature tree. Plant it where the late winter flowers can be seen from the house. Keep it out of strong wind and away from the coast, which it does not suit.

Growing Alba White Orchid Tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, in a spot protected from strong wind. It is semi evergreen in tropical climates and deciduous in cooler ones, and it is only marginally frost hardy, so shelter young trees from frost. It is not suited to coastal planting.

Soil. Well drained soil. Avoid low spots that stay waterlogged after rain.

Water and feed. Average water needs. Water deeply and regularly through the first two summers while the roots establish, mulch around the base, and it will then need little extra.

Pruning. Easily maintained. Prune after flowering to shape the crown or to keep the tree to the size your garden can hold.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Alba White Orchid Tree as tube stock, 200mm pots in packs of 6 and 300mm pots. Tubes are young plants in an 80mm deep tube that establish quickly and are the economical way to start a tree, while the 200mm and 300mm pots give you a taller plant to begin with. Stake young trees on breezy sites, and expect modest height in the first year while the roots establish.

The tube is supplied by our grower, so availability comes and goes. A sold out tube simply means none is ready today: press the notify button on this page and we will email you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse flowering trees
• Feature trees for the garden
• The best shade trees for Australian gardens
• When to plant a tree in Australia

Common questions

How big does Alba get?

About 8m high and 6m wide, with a short trunk and a broad spreading crown. Plan for the full spread before you plant.

Is it evergreen?

It is semi evergreen in tropical climates and deciduous in cooler ones. Where it loses its leaves, the flowers open on bare branches.

Can I plant it near the coast?

We do not recommend it. It is not suited to coastal planting and needs protection from strong wind.