Erythrina humeana

Also Known As

Natal Coral Tree

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 5'-10'
W: 5'

planting zones

9a-11

More Options

Erythrina humeana plant details

Erythrina humeana is a broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In fall and summer red flowers emerge followed by black fruit. Grows well with sun and regular water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Erythrina humeana

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 5 FT wide, 5 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall and summer
Uses: small tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Erythrina humeana

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular

Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Around here (Bay Area), this is one of those plants only grown by those who practice zone-denial. As it likes heat but little frost, for us it should be grown against a warm wall or warm corner of the garden. Otherwise, it grows in USDA zone 9-11. It thrives in warmer spots like Stanford where it is not so foggy. Forming a large, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree 5’-10’ tall, it produces a mass of impressive nodding, tubular, scarlet flowers on long, black stalks (ideal for the vase), July to at least September. The blooms are followed by curious black seed pods. Easy to grow in reasonably fertile soil & needs little water once established. If you have no frost, prune hard every few years. If you have frosts in the 20-25 degree range, it will re-sprout again from the roots. May go deciduous. From Eastern Africa.