White Orchid Tree
White orchid trees are named after their flowers, which look like orchid flowers. The tree, however, belongs to a different group of plants than orchids. White orchid trees are attractive border decorations, and according to the University of Florida, they grow best in warm climates. Does this Spark an idea?
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Characteristics
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White orchid trees, also called bauhinia variegata, are deciduous semi-evergreen trees. According to the University of Florida, white orchid trees grow to be between 25 and 30 feet tall. They bloom for a long time during spring and summer and then grow pods with seeds in them. White orchid trees generally become more symmetrical and attractive looking as they get older.
Climate
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White orchid trees grow in warm climates. According to the University of Florida, they grow best in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. In the U.S., they do well in Florida, Hawaii, parts of southern California and parts of southern Texas. They also grow in Australia.
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Uses
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White orchid trees are most commonly used as parking lot borders and decorative trees in road medians. They provide nice shade for cars in parking lots. According to the University of Florida, they are not used very often to decorate residences because their leaves, flowers and pods are messy when they fall off. The trees also turn somewhat yellow in alkaline soil, which is how much of the soil is at private residences.
Planting and Care
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White orchid trees are available for purchase at tree nurseries and also online. The University of Florida warns that the tree branches will require some pruning or else they will droop too low for pedestrians to easily walk under them. The University of California suggests that gardeners plant the trees in full sun and water them regularl.
Relatives
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White orchid trees are the type of bauhinia variegata that grow white flowers, but the same type of tree may also grow purple or pink flowers. Bauhinia variegata with white flowers require the same types of care as the more common purple orchid trees or orchid trees with pink flowers.
Tree problems
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One problem that white orchid trees face is a sensitivity to alkaline soil, which can make their leaves turn yellowish. Additionally, the University of California warns that caterpillars, borers and mites can eat the tree. The trees leaves may also get fungi problems occasionally, which can be prevented by watering the tree at the base of the trunk instead of spraying water on its leaves.
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