Orchid Tree – Bloom of the Month
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(Note: I’m shifting from a weekly to a monthly bloom feature — more sustainable for maintaining the blog and my Pixels shop — so this October post will highlight the Orchid Tree in all its glory.)
From the moment I first saw these orchid-like blossoms sparkling in the afternoon sun while wandering through San Diego neighborhoods, I was hooked. There’s something unforgettable about the orchid tree flower. The petals are bold yet delicate, with colors ranging from soft pinks to vibrant purples, and they always seem to pop against our bright blue skies. Photographing them is such a joy because every shot feels a little different — sometimes dreamy, sometimes sharp and detailed. That’s where my vintage lenses come in. Each has its own quirks, and together they let me reveal this flower’s beauty in fresh ways. This month, I’m featuring the orchid tree as my Bloom of the Month because its blooms have a way of stopping me so I can take a picture or simply admire them every time I see them.
5 Fun Facts About the Orchid Tree 🌿
- 🌸 Not actually an orchid – Orchid trees belong to the pea and bean family, not the orchid family. Their flowers just happen to look so much like orchids that the nickname stuck.
- 🌸 A flower with international fame – The Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia × blakeana) is so beloved that it became the official flower of Hong Kong. You’ll even find it on the city’s flag and coins.
- 🌸 No seeds here – Unlike many flowering trees, the Hong Kong orchid tree is sterile. That means no seed pods or seedlings — it has to be grown from cuttings or grafts.
- 🌸 Leaves with personality – Orchid tree leaves are split down the middle into two lobes, almost like a butterfly wing or a heart. Some species can even fold their leaves to conserve water in the heat.
- 🌸 A rainbow of varieties – While San Diego’s orchid trees usually bloom in shades of pink and purple, the Bauhinia family includes hundreds of species. Some have flowers in white, yellow, or even bright red.
🌼 Special Offer: Enjoy limited-time pricing on this month’s Bloom of the Month prints — now through October 31 in my Pixels gallery. Reduced artist markup applies to all Orchid Tree wall art during this sale.
💐 Whether it’s their vivid color, their graceful shape, or the way they draw in pollinators, orchid tree blossoms bring a sense of energy and joy to any space. For me, they’re a reminder to look closer — because beauty often shows up where you least expect it.
🌿 More Orchid Tree art to explore »
Thanks for reading—until next bloom! 🌼 Diana