Coral tree, ablaze with flowers

The coral tree (Erythrina species) is a family of trees with incredible flowers.

Core Coral tree facts

Name – Erythrina
Family – Fabaceae
Type – shrub

Height – 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters)
Exposure – full sun

Soil: rich  –  Foliage: deciduous  –  Flowering: end of spring, early summer

It’s part of the Fabaceae family, as are Acacia and beans. Another common name for it is Flame tree, because when it blooms it looks like it’s on fire!

Planting coral tree

We recommend planting in spring.

• Refer to our guidelines for planting and select a very sunny spot.

Best grow in pots or garden boxes, especially if temperatures drop any lower than 19°F (-7°C) in winter. Whenever temperatures do drop that low, bring it indoors.

Pruning Coral tree

No pruning is needed during the first years.

You can then prune in spring those shoots grown in the previous year. This will trigger branching out and new growth will come out lusher and denser than before.

Note that most species of coral tree have large thorns along their trunk. These grow larger as the tree ages.

Watering

It is important to water regularly but not too much, whenever it gets hot.

Learn more about the Coral tree

This incredible tree with magnificent and unique flowers is well suited to warm coastal climates.

Wherever there’s high air moisture, warm summers, and very mild winters, Erythrina fares well.

Its coral-red color will stand out in your garden all summer long.

There are dozens of specific coral tree species, and each one has flowers that are more stunning than the next.

Read also:

• Advice on how to prune shrubs
• Ideas of flowered shrubs for a hedge
• Hedges, great barriers against diseases
• Shrubs that flower in the summer