common coral tree
Erythrina crista-galli
RHS AGM 2012
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size15 to 20 feet tall10 to 15 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Crimson red
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Common coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli) is a tree for borders, containers, and low maintenance gardens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full sun and average to moist soil of most types. It bears crimson red flowers in spring, summer, and autumn. It reaches 15 to 20 feet tall.
Pairs well with Flowering banana, Shrimp plant, Italian cypress, and Papyrus.
Native range
Africa, Benin, Gabon, Gulf of Guinea Is., and 2 more places. See all 6
Africa, Benin, Gabon, Gulf of Guinea Is., Ivory Coast, and Togo.