Bauhinia Coccinea , Red Bauhinia

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Bauhinia coccinea

• Common Names: Red Bauhinia, Scarlet Bauhinia, Red Mountain Ebony

• Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)

• Type: Woody climbing shrub/vine

• Origin: Southeast Asia, commonly found in India, Myanmar, Thailand, and surrounding regions.

 Description

• Growth Habit: A fast-growing woody climber that can be trained on fences, trellises, or pergolas.

• Leaves: Distinctive bilobed (camel foot-shaped) leaves typical of Bauhinia species.

• Flowers:

  • Large, bright scarlet-red to orange-red blooms, very showy.

  • Blooms mainly in summer to rainy season.

• Height/Spread: Can climb up to 6–10 m with support.

 Care Guide

Sun Light

• Grows best in full sun, tolerates partial shade.

 Soil

• Prefers well-draining, fertile soil (loamy or sandy loam).

• Can tolerate average garden soil with good drainage.

 Watering

• Moderate watering.

• Water regularly during dry months, but avoid waterlogging.

 Fertilizer

• Apply organic compost during the growing season.

• Monthly feeding with a balanced NPK fertilizer encourages flowering.

 Pruning

• Prune after flowering to control size and shape.

• Regular trimming encourages dense growth and more blooms.

 Uses & Benefits

1. Ornamental Value 

   • Grown for its striking red flowers.

   • Perfect for fences, trellises, arches, pergolas in gardens.

2. Wildlife Attraction 

   • Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds (especially sunbirds).

3. Medicinal / Traditional Uses

   • In folk medicine, some Bauhinia species are used for treating ulcers, infections, and inflammation (specific medicinal value of B. coccinea is limited but related species are widely used).

4. Shade & Cover

   • Works as a natural screen or living fence due to its climbing nature.