Bauhinia acuminata - Dwarf orchid tree

This attractive shrub from southeast Asia is one of approximately 200 species of Bauhinia. The genus ranges around the world, mostly in the southern hemisphere. The unusual leaf resembles a redbud (Cercis) leaf with a deep notch at the tip. This dwarf orchid tree is among the most cold-hardy of the genus. It grows six to eight feet tall. It is deciduous in winter. Large white, star-shaped flowers are held above the foliage from summer through fall.

This shrub grows well in a well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. The white flowers look especially nice in front of a dark background. In north Florida, it may die to the ground in a particularly cold winter and re-emerge in spring. It is difficult to find in local nurseries.