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Climber Wall Shrub

Bauhinia yunnanensis

Chinese orchid tree

A semi-evergreen, spreading, scrambling shrub climbing to around 4m high via twining tendrils on slender stems. Mid- to pale green, rounded leaves are coppery when young and have two lobes. Summer flowers to 5cm across are borne in small clusters and orchid-like in appearance with five pale pink petals, the upper three being striped with purple veins

Synonyms
Bauhinia saigonensis
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Climbing, Spreading branched
Genus

A large genus of around 300 species of flowering deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs or small trees. The green foliage is lobed and shaped like a camel's foot, and the often fragrant, five-petalled flowers appear in late winter to early summer in shades of magenta, mauve, pink, white or crimson-red

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Indochina

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sheltered position in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 12

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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