|
 Common
name(s):
Pride-of-De-Kaap
Red bauhinia
One of the most colorful bauhinias, this evergreen scrambling shrub
from southeastern Africa has a sprawling, horizontal habit when
grown out in the open, making a mound of dense foliage about 6 ft
(1.8 m) high and up to 15 ft (4.5 m) wide. If grown beneath small
trees, however, it may scramble through their branches to a height
of 20 ft (6 m) or more, or it can be trained against a warm wall to
good effect. The distinctive flowers, borne in showy clusters from
late summer to fall (autumn) (or spring in the tropics), are a rich
apricot to brick red in color, their petals spoon-shaped with
slender stalks. Fast growing, it will endure mild frosts and long
periods without water.
Hardiness zone from 9 To 12
Cultivation: Bauhinias do best in warm climates and need protection
from frost and cold winds.
Full sun and light, fertile, well-drained soil suit them best.
Pruning is not usually necessary, but vigorous growth may be thinned
out after flowering. Propagate from seed in spring. |
