Bauhinia galpinii

Bauhinia galpinii

Bauhinia galpinii is a sprawling evergreen shrub from South Africa (ht 1.8 m) which can grow quite wide (to 4.5 m). It can grow up through a tree or be trained against a wall as a sort of espalier, which is what I hope to do with my specimen. It has the distinctive and attractive 'twin leaves' of the Bauhinia genus, which look like they have been cut from folded paper. It flowers from late summer it winter, with large, unusual flowers of reddish-orange, that look like a flock of some exotic creature has landed on the shrub. One of its common names is nasturtium bush, and the flowers do have a resemblance to nasturtiums! It is best grown in full sun and can tolerate mild frosts. It is said to be quite drought tolerant. It looks effective grown with other warm-coloured flowers and foliage, and I am enjoying its contrast with Salvia 'Mystic Spires' growing nearby.

Postscript: I eventually took this out, as I didn't have enough toom for it. I still admire it in other gardens!