Bauhinia galpinii - Red Orchid Tree - 15 Seeds

The Red Flowering Orchid Tree is a delightful Winter flowering evergreen that can be a tree to 7.5 - 9m tall or a many-stemmed shrub, depending on how you wish to treat them. 
Native to South Africa and tropical Africa, this Bauhinia is now grown widely throughout the world in warm climates where the minimum temperatures do not drop below 6°C. 
 
These are spectacular trees and the purple variety is a charming and decorative tree, flowering times seem to vary quite widely but generally from late Summer to Autumn, although it is not uncommon to see them blooming from as early as Christmas through to Winter.

Bauhinia is easy to grow from seed and usually shows good viability with a high percentage germinating readily.

Set out below are some propagation and care notes put out by the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden in South Africa:-
 
"Growing Bauhinia galpinii The pride of De Kaap (bauhinia galpinii) is easy to cultivate and requires little attention once established. It is hardy to drought and moderate frost, but may need protection from frost in the first two or three years after planting.  It produces its brick red flowers for a long period during the Summer months from September to March but will also flower sporadically throughout the rest of the year. 
 
This species requires space, even if it is to be regularly pruned, and is not suitable for the small garden. It does however come into its own in large gardens and estates where it may also form a good barrier plant along fences and boundaries. 
 
Certain butterfly larvae, that will eat the leaves and later pupate into beautifully coloured butterflies, favour this species.  The long flexible branches of this tree are often used by the local people for weaving baskets and for the construction of roof trusses for their huts. 
 
The seeds germinate easily and are best sown in spring.  Soaking the seeds in warm water overnight will speed up germination.  After germinating the seedlings grow quickly and should be transferred into individual containers while they are still young."
Andrew Hankey Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden February 2001. 

15 premium quality seeds shipped on receipt of cleared funds.