Hong Kong Orchid Tree (bauhinia blakeana) - "It is the beautiful display of
orchid-like blooms, though, which make Hong Kong
Orchid-Tree so desirable for the landscape, the large,
six-inch blossoms appearing in multiple shades of
purple, rose, and pink during the summer, fall and
early winter months, when little color is usually
present in the garden. These flowers are sterile and
will not set seed so the plant will not drop long pods
as other Orchid-Trees do, and they will not become a
pest in the landscape. This is often the Orchid-Tree of
choice for planting in urban landscapes."
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (bauhinia forficata) - "The beautiful, white, three to four inch-
wide, orchid-like blooms appear in abundance
from spring through summer and are followed by flat,
dark brown seed pods."
Purple Orchid Tree (bauhinia purpurea) Partially to wholly deciduous. Most common of the Bauhinia. Hardy to 22 degrees. Needs warmth to flower during the Winter (January - April). Grows to 20 - 35'. Between the falling flower petals and the beans produced after flowering, it can be a messy tree.