Erythrina herbacea

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'
W: 3'

planting zones

6a-10a

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Erythrina herbacea plant details

Erythrina herbacea is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer red flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Erythrina herbacea

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 3 FT tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer
Uses: tropical-looking, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Erythrina herbacea

USDA Zones: 6a - 10a
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low

Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Tall spikes of glowing red to purplish-red, 2-3" tubular blooms are born in summer above the foliage of this tough native perennial. A drought tolerant and hardy shrublet that freezes back to the ground to return in spring. The flowers are followed by dark colored bean pods that split open to display their brilliant red-orange beans that can remain on the plant all winter. Excellent for Hummingbirds.

By: Almost Eden

While "coral bean" describes the bright-red (poisonous) seeds, another name for this uncommon SE wildflower, "Cardinal Spear" better describes its 3+' stalks topped by 1-2' clusters of small bright-scarlet late spring flowers. SUN-PSh/Med