Discover the main types of orchid trees, including names and care tips. Learn what an orchid tree looks like and how to grow them in your USA garden from expert Ashley Scott.
Hello, I’m Ashley Scott from USA Garden Hub. With 10 years in gardening, I share tips on plants that brighten yards. Orchid trees caught my attention years ago in a Florida park. Their big flowers looked like real orchids. Today, I cover everything about these trees. You will learn their types, looks, and care. Let’s get started.
What Is an Orchid Tree?
An orchid tree grows as a medium tree with flowers that resemble orchids. It belongs to the Bauhinia genus in the legume family. These trees are not true orchids. True orchids come from the Orchidaceae family, like houseplants. Orchid tree information shows they originate from Asia, Africa, and South America. In the USA, they thrive in warm spots like Florida, Texas, and California.
I planted my first one in poor soil. It struggled at first. After adding compost, it grew strong. These trees reach 20 to 40 feet tall. They provide shade and attract butterflies. Leaves look like butterfly wings, split in two. Flowers measure 4 to 6 inches wide. Colors include pink, purple, white, and yellow.
For more on similar plants, check my guide on gaura flowers. They add light blooms to your garden.
8 Types of Orchid Trees with Names
Over 300 Bauhinia species exist. Only a few are popular as orchid tree types. I list the main ones below. Each has unique features. I once visited a nursery and saw them side by side. The variety amazed me.
1. Bauhinia Variegata: The Mountain Ebony
This type is common. It shows pink or lavender flowers with white marks. Leaves span 4 to 6 inches, bilobed. The tree grows 20 to 35 feet tall.
In Florida, it blooms from February to April. You can use it for shade. Check local rules, as it may spread in some areas. For details, see this University of Florida guide
2. Bauhinia Purpurea: The Purple Orchid Tree
Known for deep purple blooms. Flowers are 2 to 3 inches wide. It reaches 20 to 30 feet.
I grew one beside my pyrethrum plants. The colors matched well. It flowers in fall. Learn more from the Florida Plant Atlas.
3. Bauhinia Blakeana: The Hong Kong Orchid Tree
A hybrid of variegata and purpurea. It has reddish-purple flowers, up to 6 inches. This type is sterile, so no seeds form.
Butterflies flock to it. I saw this in a park. No mess from pods. Check NC State Extension for info.
4. Bauhinia Monandra: The Pink Butterfly Tree
Flowers are pink with red spots. It grows to 20 feet.
This one adds spots of color. I recommend it for small yards. See Oregon State University for growth tips.
5. Bauhinia Forficata: The Brazilian Orchid Tree
It has white blooms and spiny branches. Height reaches 20 to 30 feet.
People use it for medicine in Brazil. Pair it with carnations for white accents.
6. Bauhinia Lunarioides: The Anacacho Orchid Tree
Small white flowers cover this type. It stays 6 to 12 feet tall. Cold-hardy to zone 8.
Great for Texas gardens. It tolerates drought. For more, visit University of Arizona.
7. Bauhinia Aculeata: The White Orchid Tree
White flowers bloom on this 30-foot tree. Branches droop.
It fits well in large spaces. Try it with beschorneria for texture.
8. Bauhinia Tomentosa: The Yellow Bell Orchid Tree
Yellow flowers make this stand out. It grows 10 to 15 feet, like a shrub.
I kept one in a pot. The yellow brightened my patio. See my tips on armeria for companion plants.
What Does an Orchid Tree Look Like?
An orchid tree has a rounded canopy. Leaves are heart-shaped, split like hooves. Flowers have five petals, ruffled edges. Seed pods are long, flat, 6 to 12 inches.
In my yard, one shades my petunia bed. The pink flowers contrast nicely.
How to Grow Orchid Trees in Your Garden
You can grow these trees easily. Follow my steps from experience.
Choosing the Right Spot
Pick full sun. Soil must drain well. In USA zones 9 to 11, they do best. For cooler areas, use pots.
I planted mine in spring. It established quickly.
Planting Tips
Dig a hole twice the root size. Add compost. Water deeply. Space trees 15 to 20 feet apart.
For soil ideas, read my alchemilla guide.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water weekly at first. Then, only in dry times. Use 10-10-10 fertilizer in spring.
My trees bloom more with one feeding a year.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune after flowers fade. Remove dead parts. Shape as needed.
One year, heavy pruning made mine bushier.
Dealing with Pests
Look for scale or caterpillars. Apply neem oil.
Humidity can cause fungus. Ensure air flows. See my ageratum article for pest advice.
For low-water pairs, try succulent propagation.
Comparison Table of Orchid Tree Types
| Type | Flower Color | Height (feet) | Bloom Season | Hardiness Zones | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bauhinia variegata | Pink/lavender | 20-35 | Winter-spring | 9-11 | May spread |
| Bauhinia purpurea | Purple | 20-30 | Fall-winter | 9-11 | Attracts bees |
| Bauhinia blakeana | Red-purple | 20-40 | Winter | 9-11 | No seeds |
| Bauhinia monandra | Pink with red | 15-20 | Spring-fall | 9-11 | Spotted flowers |
| Bauhinia forficata | White | 20-30 | Spring | 9-11 | Spiny branches |
| Bauhinia lunarioides | White | 6-12 | Spring | 8-11 | Drought tolerant |
| Bauhinia aculeata | White | 20-30 | Summer | 9-11 | Drooping form |
| Bauhinia tomentosa | Yellow | 10-15 | Summer | 10-11 | Shrub-like |
This table helps you pick. Data comes from sources like University of Florida.
Orchid Trees vs. Types of Orchid Plants
Types of orchid trees differ from types of orchid plants. Trees are woody and large. Orchid plants are smaller, often epiphytes.
In India, types of orchids in India number over 1,300. Types of orchids in Sikkim include rare Cymbidium. These cling to trees.
For trees, use cuttings like in succulent propagation.
My Personal Story with Orchid Trees
Ten years ago, I got a small Bauhinia variegata. Poor soil hurt it. I fixed the soil. Now, it’s 25 feet tall and blooms yearly. Kids pick the flowers for fun.
You can have the same success. Start small.
For cool-season plants, see cyclamen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of orchids? For trees, see the list above. For plants, think Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium.
Types of orchid flower? Tree flowers look like butterflies.
Orchid tree types? Bauhinia species as detailed.
What does an orchid tree look like? Split leaves, big blooms.
Orchid trees add beauty to gardens. With proper care, yours will thrive. Share your stories in comments.
