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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Caesalpiniaceae (~Fabales) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange Red |
| Bloomtime: Summer/Fall |
| Synonyms: [Bauhinia punctata] |
| Height: 8-10 feet |
| Width: 10-15 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Bauhinia galpinii (Red Orchid Bush) - A semi-deciduous, sprawling, wide-spreading shrub to 10 feet tall by 15 feet wide with deeply lobed heart-shaped dark green leaves and bright brick-red or salmon-colored blooms appearing in the late summer through early winter. At maturity it can possibly spread up to 25 feet wide, easily kept smaller. Hardy to about 20-25 degrees F. This bauhinia tends to become deciduous in the early spring - it declines as most of the garden begins to perk up. It should be totally re-foliated by mid-summer. Makes a good espalier subject. The name " Bauhinia " was a name given this genus by Linnaeus to honor the twin brothers Johann and Gaspard Bauhin, who were 16th century Swiss scientists - Johann was a botanist and Gaspard a botanist and physician. Using the name of these identical twin is fitting as Bauhina leaves are composed of two identical lobes. The specific epithet is named for Ernest Edward Galpin, a South African botanist and banker who collected extensively in his native land.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.
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