Bauhinia in the south? Zone 7 or 8? (growing, blooms, fall, Florida)

[deja-zebbie]

Anyone in the south growing bauhinia (Hong Kong Orchid Tree)?

I miss having bauhinias around and wonder if anyone around zone 7 or 8 is growing them. I realize that the climate probably isn't right for growing to a tree, but wonder if it's possible to grow as a shrub that gets cutback in the Fall like Confederate rose?

Any ideas are welcome.

Thanks,
zebbie

[ellie]

I've only seen one growing here in Savannah (several years ago) and it was the first one I've ever seen here. We're in zone 8. Next time I'm on that particular square I'll stop to see if it's still there.

Floridata: Bauhinia variegata

[deja-zebbie]

Ellie, you must have seen it in bloom? Quite pretty, aren't they? There are a bunch of varieties with different colored blooms. I'm hoping that they might work like those confederate roses sort of like an annual.

Thanks,
zebbie