Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - March 13, 2009
From: Deltona, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Low temperature non-native Bauhinia variegata can withstand in Florida
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a Bauhinia variegata,I reside in Florida. What is the temp it can withstand in winter? And if it is below freezing, what can be done to protect them from freezing?ANSWER:
Bauhinia variegata, Purple Orchid Tree is native to temperate and tropical Asia and therefore out of the range of expertise of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. We recommend the use of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they are being planted. Native plants will need less water, fertilizer and maintenance to thrive.
Since we obviously will have no information on this plant in our Native Plant Database, let us refer you to this Floridata site Bauhinia variegata. In part, it says that this plant is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, and can withstand temperatures down to 22 deg. The site also says that after a freeze, the leaves may fall off the Bauhinia, but it will probably recover. You can always cover the tree if a more severe freeze is predicted in your part of Florida. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map indicates that Volusia County, Florida, on the eastern Gulf coast, is in Zones 9a (average annual minimum temperature 20 to 25 deg.F) to 9b (25 to 35 deg. F).
Please note that Bauhinia variegata is listed as a Category 1 invasive species on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's 2005 list of Invasive Species.
More Non-Natives Questions
poor blooming on (non-native) plumbago
June 14, 2011 - I recently purchased several blue Plumbago plants that were covered in blooms. We planted them in our front beds that receive about 5 hours of morning sun then afternoon shade. I have watered them eve...
view the full question and answer
Care of non-native Betula pendula 'Youngii' (Young's Weeping Birch)
June 04, 2009 - We planted a Young's Weeping Birch on the side of our house here in NJ a few weeks ago and it seems to be thriving. When we purchased Fred (which is what we've named our youngster), he was in a pot ...
view the full question and answer
Roots of Savannah Holly close to house
February 26, 2009 - I live in Sugar Land and want to plant Savannah Holly at the ends of both sides of the front flowerbed. Are the roots too dangerous to plant so close to the house? (How far from the house should they...
view the full question and answer
Native and non-native Wandering Jew and Four o Clocks
October 10, 2005 - I am looking for information on 2 separate plants in my yard. The names that people have given me on what they are is as follows:
Wondering Jew
Four O'Clock
view the full question and answer
Penta and licorice plants for Austin
May 04, 2009 - For Austin location
Are you familiar with a small flowering plant called Penta?
How about Licorice?
If yes, could you provide growing conditions.
Thanks
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |