Bauhinia yunnanensis

Bauhinia yunnanensis hails from up to 6,000' elevation in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou. The deciduous semi-vining Bauhinia yunnanensis emerges in late spring, producing long willowy branches to 15'-20' long. It's very possible that this will get much larger in warmer climates, so allow plenty of room. Each branch produces short tendrils designed for climbing, so a trellis or nearby sturdy woody plant would make a great display background. Starting in late August and continuing until frost, the branches are adorned with 1.5" wide, pale pink, orchid-like flowers, each highlighted by a purple central streak. We have grown this in the garden since 2004 and found it to be one of only two bauhinia species winter hardy to single digit F temperatures. We originally offered this as Bauhinia bohniana.