South African Orchid Bush
(Bauhinia galpinii)
South African Orchid Bush (Bauhinia galpinii)
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Fan Wen
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Fan Wen
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CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by: Fan Wen | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Fanwen619 | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Bauhinia_galpinii_(4)3.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |


























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Bauhinia galpinii, commonly known as South African Orchid Bush, is an evergreen perennial shrub or vine native to open woodlands and scrub areas in Southern Africa. It thrives during the summer growing season and can take the form of a dense, sprawling shrub up to 3 m (9.8 ft) high. In some conditions, such as when climbing, it may reach double that height. The flowers are typically a striking brick red, with some cultivars boasting pink or orange-red blooms. These flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, including birds, and the dense growth provides excellent nesting sites for small birds.
The South African Orchid Bush is valued for its vibrant flowers and ability to attract wildlife. It is used as an ornamental in warm climates, often in urban settings, gardens, and as a border plant. It is fairly drought-hardy and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, though it performs best in full sun with high water availability and medium drainage. While it has naturalized in some areas of the United States and Mexico, it does not show significant invasiveness. Gardeners should be aware that it may require regular pruning to maintain shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy.CC BY-SA 4.0
The South African Orchid Bush is valued for its vibrant flowers and ability to attract wildlife. It is used as an ornamental in warm climates, often in urban settings, gardens, and as a border plant. It is fairly drought-hardy and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, though it performs best in full sun with high water availability and medium drainage. While it has naturalized in some areas of the United States and Mexico, it does not show significant invasiveness. Gardeners should be aware that it may require regular pruning to maintain shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Vine
- Height: 9-12 feet
- Width: 6-9 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate, Rapid
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands and scrub areas in Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Red Bauhinia, Nasturtium Bush, African Plume, Nasturtium Bauhinia, Pride Of De Kaap, Red Bauhinia, Red Butterfly Tree, Red Butterfly-Tree, Bahninia Rouge, Bauhinia Rouge
Scientific Names: , Bauhinia galpinii, Bauhinia punctata, Perlebia galpinii, Bauhinia galpinii var. galpinii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Bauhinia galpinii N.E.Br.