Bauhinia tomentosa
 
Common Names Yellow Orchid Tree, Yellow Bell Bauhinia, St. Thomas Tree
 
Zones 9B–11 (outdoors); Zone 8B with protection or container overwintering
 
Bauhinia tomentosa is a graceful, semi-deciduous shrub or small tree native to tropical Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. Known for its bell-shaped yellow flowers with a deep maroon throat, it adds a soft, romantic texture to warm-climate gardens. The genus Bauhinia is named for twin botanists, reflected in its distinctive bilobed “camel’s foot” leaves. This species is fast-growing, lightly fragrant, and well-suited to mixed borders, specimen plantings, or large containers.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Arching to semi-pendulous; multi-stemmed; moderate growth rate
Height: 6–12 ft. in cultivation; up to 15 ft. in optimal conditions
Trunk: Smooth gray bark; branching low to mid-height
Leaves: Bilobed, light green, rough-textured; 2–4 in. wide
Inflorescence: Bell-shaped yellow flowers with maroon blotch; 1–2 in. long; bloom summer to fall
Fruit: Velvety brown pod; 3–5 in. long; splits when mature
Ecology: Attracts butterflies and bees; mildly fragrant; deer-resistant
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to light shade
Watering: Moderate; prefers regular irrigation but tolerates short dry spells
Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy soil; neutral to slightly acidic pH
Temperature: 45–95°F (7–35°C); protect below 30°F
Humidity: Adaptable; prefers subtropical to tropical conditions
Propagation: Seeds (scarify for better germination); cuttings
Tolerance: Moderate drought; not salt-tolerant
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical borders, specimen plantings, and large containers. Works well in butterfly gardens and Mediterranean-style landscapes. Pairs beautifully with Cassia bicapsularis, Duranta erecta, and Russelia equisetiformis for layered bloom and texture.