Bauhinia tomentosa

Also Known As

Yellow Bell Bauhinia

Plant type

tree

size

H: 10'-15'
W: 6'-10'

planting zones

10a-12

Bauhinia tomentosa plant details

Bauhinia tomentosa is a broadleaf semi-evergreen tree with green foliage. In summer lavender and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Bauhinia tomentosa

Plant type: tree
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 6 FT - 10 FT - wide, 10 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: lavender and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, long-blooming, native plant, small tree, tropical-looking, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Bauhinia tomentosa

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Here in California, this plant should be grown only by those rebellious sorts who like to practice “zonal denial.” Native to South Africa, it’s best grown in areas with warm Summers & warm Winters & though known to sprout from the roots after freezing to the ground, it’s usually grown (& loved) by those in USDA zone 10b-11, meaning, like, Southern California, Florida & Hawaii. Now that you’ve been warned, this unusual & showy Bauhinia makes a nice, evergreen specimen tree, bearing pale green leaves & lovely, large, pendulous, bright yellow, hibiscus-like flowers with a central brown blotch all Summer. Interestingly, on their second day, the flowers fade to violet purple. So, if you must try your hand at this rare & lovely Bauhinia, keep it in a warm spot, protect from frost & gloat to your heart’s content when you see your first blooms. Good, well-drained garden soil is best. To 15’ tall.