Name: Bauhinia variegata 'Purple' (Purple Orchid Tree)

Average Landscape Size: 15–20 ft tall × 10–15 ft wide; spreading, open canopy (can reach 25–30 ft unpruned)

Sun Requirements: Full sun; requires at least 6 hours direct sunlight for best blooming

Water Needs: Low to moderate; very drought tolerant once established

Deer Resistance: Moderate

Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 8–10; may suffer damage in severe Willis winters but usually recovers

Fertilization & Pruning: Light fertilizer in spring; prune for shape in late winter, remove seed pods

Detailed Description: Here's your exotic Purple Orchid Tree in a perfect 3-gallon size for planting! Most homeowners can expect these to reach 15–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide, though they can grow to 25–30 feet if left unpruned. What makes this tree absolutely incredible? Those stunning purple orchid-like flowers bloom from fall through spring – imagine having orchids on a tree! Plus, the unique butterfly-shaped leaves are unlike anything else in your landscape. Here in Willis, it's a real conversation starter and perfect as a specimen tree in your front yard. The drought tolerance makes it ideal for our Texas climate. In winter, expect it to be mostly deciduous, dropping its leaves but staying structurally beautiful until those amazing blooms appear!