Overview
Bauhinia natalensis is a shrub or small tree climber wall shrub in the genus Bauhinia, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous, lobed, camel's foot-shaped foliage. Bauhinia natalensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include specimen tree and ornamental.
About
Bauhinia natalensis is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Bauhinia genus, which includes around 300 species of flowering plants known for their distinctive lobed leaves resembling a camel's foot. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect and prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is best grown as a specimen tree or ornamental plant. Flowering occurs from late winter to early summer, showcasing fragrant blooms that add seasonal interest in spring and summer.
About the genus
Bauhinia is a large genus of flowering plants in the subfamily Cercidoideae and tribe Bauhinieae, in the large flowering plant family Fabaceae, with a pantropical distribution. The genus was named after the Bauhin brothers Gaspard and Johann, Swiss-French botanists.
Wikipedia contributors, "Bauhinia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bauhinia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bauhinia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Bauhinia natalensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Shrub or small tree
- Foliage
- Deciduous, lobed, camel's foot-shaped
- Suggested uses
- Specimen tree, ornamental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bauhinia natalensis
- Propagation
- Seed, semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bauhinia natalensis?
Bauhinia natalensis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bauhinia natalensis need?
Bauhinia natalensis grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Bauhinia natalensis hardy in the UK?
Bauhinia natalensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Bauhinia natalensis?
Seed, semi-ripe cuttings.
