Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Tatiana Gerus

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Show all photos

Bauhinia galpinii

Also Known As

African Plume
Red Orchid Tree

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 8'-12'
W: 10'-15'

planting zones

9b-12

More Options

Bauhinia galpinii plant details

Bauhinia galpinii is a broadleaf semi-evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In fall and summer red flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in acidic, average, gritty and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Bauhinia galpinii

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 10 FT - 15 FT - wide, 8 FT - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall and summer
Uses: container plant, hedge, houseplant, showy, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Bauhinia galpinii

USDA Zones: 9b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low

Soil needs: acidic, average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Bauhinia galpinii can be planted in the home landscape or in containers. Hardiness Zone 7 – 10.

By: Florida Hill Nursery

RED ORCHID BUSH - Native to Africa, a semi deciduous shrub with deeply lobed heart shaped dark green leaves. During summer to fall it produces the most unique flowers, clusters of 3" orchid shaped bright brick red to coral salmon blooms. Irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies, especially swallowtails and gulf fritillaries. Grows to 8-12 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide at maturity in sun and moist soil. Hardy zone 9b-11. Exotic flowers.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

Clusters of 2" rich orange to deep brick red Orchid-like flowers are borne from summer to fall on this large spreading heat-loving tropical shrub. Can easily be trained into tree forms, espaliers, or allowed to mature into its full glory. Grow in a tropical garden or containers. Attracts butterflies. Does best with average moisture.