Orchid Tree

Orchid Tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a spreading flowering tree that grows 6m to 10m high and about 6m wide. Large orchid like flowers with tapering petals open in shades of hot pink, and the grey green leaves are shaped like a butterfly wing. It is a showpiece for medium to large gardens that doubles as a street tree.

Why you'll love it

• Hot pink orchid flowers. Large blooms with tapering petals make a vivid display when the tree is in full flower.
• Butterfly wing leaves. Each grey green leaf is symmetrical in two parts, an unusual shape for a shade tree.
• Generous shade. A short trunk and spreading branches build a broad canopy.
• Easy going. Average water needs, and one prune after flowering is all the shaping it asks for.
• Flowers on bare wood. In cooler climates it is deciduous and flowers on leafless branches, which shows every bloom.

Where it works best

Shade and feature tree. Give it room for a 6m spread, at least 6m from buildings, paving and other trees. Its flowers are the focal point of the garden when they open.

Street and driveway planting. It suits wide verges and long driveways where there is space overhead, but it needs shelter from strong wind.

Growing Orchid Tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It is semi evergreen in tropical climates and deciduous in cooler ones, and it is marginally frost hardy once mature, so protect young trees from frost. Keep it away from the coast and from strong wind.

Soil. Well drained soil. It will not thank you for a site that stays soggy.

Water and feed. Average water needs. Water regularly through the first two summers while it establishes, and mulch around the base.

Pruning. Prune after flowering if you need to reduce the size, taking out crossing or crowded branches.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Orchid Tree as tube stock and as 300mm pots. Tubes are young plants in an 80mm deep tube that establish quickly and are the economical way to plant a tree, while the 300mm pot gives you a taller plant on day one. Stake young trees on breezy sites, and expect the first year to be about roots rather than height.

Our grower raises the tube stock and does not always have plants ready. If the tube reads sold out, use the notify button on this page and we will email you the day it is available again.

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

• More flowering trees
• Feature trees
• Trees for driveways and avenues
• A guide to shade trees

Common questions

How tall will Orchid Tree grow?

Between 6m and 10m high and about 6m wide, depending on climate and soil.

Will it lose its leaves?

In cooler climates it is deciduous, dropping its leaves in winter and flowering on the bare branches. In the tropics it is semi evergreen.

How do I keep it smaller?

Prune after flowering to reduce its size. Taking out a few crowded branches each year is easier than cutting hard in one go.