Bauhinia ×blakeana, commonly known as the Hong Kong Orchid Tree, is a semi-deciduous hybrid tree resulting from the cross between B. purpurea and B. variegata. It is not naturally occurring in the wild but has been widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The tree typically grows to a height of 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters) with a similar spread, and features a rounded canopy with large, bilobed leaves that resemble butterfly wings. The Hong Kong Orchid Tree is renowned for its large, showy, purplish-red flowers that are reminiscent of orchids. These blossoms are highly ornamental, measuring 10 to 15 centimeters (3.9 to 5.9 inches) across, and appear in profusion from early November to the end of March, making it a popular ornamental plant in warm climates.

The tree is valued for its stunning floral display and shade-providing canopy, making it a favorite for urban and residential landscapes, as well as in parks. It is also used as a street tree in frost-free areas. While it prefers full sun, Bauhinia ×blakeana can tolerate light shade and requires moderate to high amounts of water, along with well-drained soils. It is relatively easy to propagate through grafting, cuttings, and air-layering. However, gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to pests like caterpillars and scales, and diseases such as leaf spot. Additionally, it does not produce viable seeds and is sterile, which means it does not pose a risk of invasiveness when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0