Coral tree (Erythrina): planting, flowers and care

Updated on 22 September 2026Published on 12 August 2020

Coral-red blooms crowd the branches so thickly that the coral tree (Erythrina) is better known as the flame tree — when it flowers, it looks as though it is on fire. A deciduous shrub of 10 to 20 feet for full sun, it repays humid, warm summers and very mild winters with colour that lasts the whole season.

Coral tree (Erythrina) at a glance
Name	Erythrina
Family	Fabaceae
Type	shrub
Height	10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 metres)
Exposure	full sun
Soil	rich
Foliage	deciduous
Flowering	late spring to 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

Planting a coral tree — Pots let you shelter the tree from hard frost

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

Caring for a coral tree — Spring pruning of last year’s shoots thickens growth

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

Species of coral tree — Humid air, warm summers and mild winters suit it

his 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.

Coral tree, erythrina — Dozens of species, each with stunning flowers

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

Read also:

Smart tip about the coral tree

When planted directly in the ground, it’s important to mulch around the trunk to protect its roots from the cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cold can a coral tree take?

Coral tree is a plant for very mild winters, so it is best grown in pots or garden boxes wherever temperatures fall below 19°F (-7°C). When that happens, move the container indoors until the cold has passed. If yours is planted directly in the ground, mulch around the trunk to protect the roots from the cold.

Do coral trees have thorns?

Yes — most species of coral tree carry large thorns along the trunk, and these get bigger as the tree ages. Take that into account when choosing where to plant, especially near paths or seating. Gloves and long sleeves make pruning much more comfortable.

When and how should I prune a coral tree?

Leave it alone for the first few years, since no pruning is needed then. After that, prune in spring, cutting back the shoots that grew the previous year. This triggers branching out, and the new growth comes back lusher and denser than before.

Which climate suits a coral tree best?

Erythrina is at its best in warm coastal climates: high air moisture, warm summers and very mild winters. Give it a very sunny spot and rich soil, and water regularly but never excessively during hot spells. In those conditions its coral-red colour stands out all summer long.

Images: Pixabay: Amandad, Andrea Gibhardt, Bishnu Sarangi, Suwittaya Singsathan; Public Domain: Guy Babineau

Written by Gaspard Lorthiois | Loves helping out, especially when it comes to growing things. Worked in herbal medicine, runs a farm, and dabbles in tech. Master's degree and engineer.

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