LIVE PLANT 3ft Bauhinia galpinii Pride of De Kaap African Plume Red Orchid Tree

The plant I ship is 2-3ft tall. Bauhinia galpinii (Red Orchid Bush) - A semi-deciduous, sprawling, wide-spreading or climbing (with support) shrub to 10 feet tall by 15+ feet wide with deeply-lobed heart-shaped mid green leaves and bright brick-red to dark salmon-orange colored blooms appearing in the late summer through early winter. Plant in full sun and irrigate occasionally to infrequently. Looks best with summer irrigation but once established it is fairly drought tolerant and old plants known that are flourishing without any supplemental irrigation beyond natural rainfall. It is cold hardy to short duration temperatures down to 20-25 degrees F. Though often listed as an evergreen plant, in our climate this plant tends to become somewhat deciduous in the early spring - its leaves drop in our climate as most of the garden begins to perk up and grow but is totally re-foliated by mid-summer. A very attractive shrub that at maturity can spread up to 25 feet wide, but easily kept smaller or even be trained up as a small tree. It also makes that makes a good espalier subject. Bauhinia galpinii comes from the savannas of South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Description In its wild state this medium to large shrub behaves more as a climber, clambering through the trees and shrubs of the dense thicket vegetation in which it occurs. It doesn't have to be grown in this fashion in your garden and with just a little pruning and training it can easily be trained into an attractive small tree or large garden shrub. Alternatively it can be encouraged in its clambering habit to cover pergolas or other structures and offer evergreen shade in your garden. Distribution and habitat As the name suggests, anyone could be forgiven for thinking that this plant comes from the Cape. In actual fact it is named after the De Kaap valley, south of Nelspruit in Mpumalanga in the northeastern region of South Africa. It is much more widespread, however, and can be found right across the moister bushveld areas of the country. Ecology Certain butterfly larvae, that will eat the leaves and later pupate into beautifully colored butterflies, favor this species. Uses 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. Light Bauhinia galpinii grows best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Full sun will help the flowers bloom fully and have their best colors. Soil Bauhinia galpinii prefers well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic, or neutral pH soil. It can tolerate slightly clay soils that retain moisture, but alkaline soils can prevent the plant from absorbing nutrients and may cause the leaves to turn yellow. You can test your soil's pH and nutrient levels through your county's Florida Cooperative Extension service office. Water Bauhinia galpinii doesn't need a lot of water, but it may appreciate extra watering during hot, dry weather or in the summer. Once established, it can be fairly drought tolerant and may even thrive without supplemental irrigation. However, it doesn't like to sit in water and can suffer if overwatered. Temperature Bauhinia galpinii can tolerate short periods of cold temperatures down to 20–25°F, but it may need protection from frost in its first couple of years after planting. Fertilizer that I include as an option is an excellent choice for professional growers or nurseries if you grow plant in a pot. I personally use it for all my plants. It has polymer coating to allow slow release during 8-9 months evenly. You don't have to worry about repotting the plant for about 1 year or worry about burning plant with your regular over the counter fertilizer. You need about 3-4oz per 3 gal pot or 4-5oz per 5 gal pot. Pictures depict grown up plants and its possible applications. Height of the plants is measured from the base of the root ball. No returns, refunds or exchanges

Condition

Used (normal wear)