Bob Hobden wrote:
"George Parton" wrote

Bob Hobden wrote:

"George Parton" wrote ...


This picture from one of our Hong Kong Orchid trees was taken in March.
They dropped all their blooms, went blah for a time and now are
budding out again. (I don't think they are supposed to bloom in summer)


Bauhinia blakeana is a beautiful small tree and I notice it is supposed
to grow in US Zones that get some frost. Never seen it in this country
despite our mild maritime climate so I imagine it's the cold coupled with
our wet winters that it cannot cope with, rather like Albizia
julibrissin.

Bob, you are correct. We do get some frost but I am surprised by the new
blooms because we live in Arizona where the summers do not seem much like
spring! However we are currently experiencing much lower than normal
temperatures.
(Please don't tell Al Gore) : )


Do you get hot summers, like 35C, George? This would harden the new wood to
make it able to cope with the winter cold. We, of course, do not get hot
summers usually, the occasional day at 30C is exceptional.

Today it is 95F (35C) which is mild for a summer day. We have gotten up
to 122F (50C) which I have seen and experienced. Normally we stay
around 110 mid-summer (50C). We are prepared for it and love being
here. 5% humidity this morning! Come visit.....