Prune an orchid tree while it is young so the crown stays even. After the flowers fade, raise drooping branches off walks.
Train a young tree, then raise drooping branches after bloom
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Young tree | Prune in the first years for a uniform crown | Do not leave every low shoot, or the tree turns into a large bush |
| Trunks | Train one trunk, or a few well-spaced trunks | Do not keep a tight multi-trunk crotch that splits in a storm |
| Droop | Raise branches off walks after bloom | Do not wait until wood scrapes the path all year |
| How much | A light clip plus dead and crossing wood | Do not strip the inner wood or top the tree |
In the first years, prune for a uniform crown. You can train one trunk, or a few well-spaced trunks. A tight crotch on several trunks can split when the wood is loaded. After the flowers fade, raise drooping branches off walks and doors. Cut crossing wood. Do not strip the inner wood. [1] [2] [3]
- In the first years, prune for one strong trunk or a few well-spaced trunks.
- After bloom, raise drooping branches off walks and doors.
- Cut out crossing wood and dead wood.
- Do not strip the inner wood, and do not top the tree to force a small crown.
Should I train one trunk?
You can. One trunk, or a few well-spaced trunks, holds better than a tight crotch. The tree will grow as several trunks if you leave every shoot.
Prune after the flowers fade
Light cleanup can happen any time. Save the heavier cut until the winter-to-spring bloom is finished, and stop before next year's flower buds are set. A hard cut just before bloom takes the show. [4] Take dead wood whenever you see it. Save the shaping cut for the weeks after the last flowers drop, while the tree is still in leaf and you can see the crown. Do not wait until late summer, when next year's buds are already on the twigs. purple orchid tree and Hong Kong orchid tree take that same after-bloom raise. Site the tree in full sun on soil that drains on How to Grow Orchid Tree.
When should I prune an orchid tree?
Shape a young tree in the first years. After bloom, raise drooping wood. Do not cut hard just before it flowers.
After you raise the drooping wood, leave the inner canopy. A hard strip will not fill.
FAQ
Can I prune in fall?
A light cleanup is fine. Save a heavier cut until this year's flowers fade, so you do not remove next year's buds.
Can I top an orchid tree?
No. The wood is brittle. Raise drooping branches and take crossing wood. A topped crown does not make a safer tree.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] SF Gate Home Guides -
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/hong-kong-orchid-tree-pruning-76806.html - [2] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/bauhinia-x-blakeana/ - [3] San Marcos Growers -
https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=234 - [4] UF/IFAS Extension -
https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST092
This note is part of Bauhinia Guides.
More pruning timing notes by plant live in Pruning Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors