Plant Lust
ShopOrderSellblog
0

  • Plant types

  • Plant styles

  • Planting conditions

  • Seasonal interest

  • Nurseries & Gardens

    • Photo of Erythrina caffra form by Andrew Higgs

    Photo by Andrew Higgs

    This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.

    Show all photos

    Erythrina caffra

    Also Known As

    • Coast Coral Tree

    Plant type

    tree

    size

    • H: 20'-40'
    • W: 25'-35'

    planting zones

    • 9b-11

    More Options

    Erythrina caffra plant details

    Erythrina caffra is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring and winter coral and red flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Erythrina caffra

    Plant type: tree
    Plant family: fabaceae
    Foliage: deciduous green
    Mature size: 25 FT - 35 FT - wide, 20 FT - 40 FT - tall
    Flowers: coral and red blooms in spring and winter

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Erythrina caffra

    USDA Zones: 9b - 11
    Sun exposure: sun
    Watering frequency: even moisture - low
    Resistant to: heat
    Soil needs: average and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    The perfect tree to brighten up those dull Winter months! “Coast Coral Tree” is considered magical by the Zulu culture, producing scads of bright coral-red flowers all Winter & into Spring when the leaves have fallen. Get ready to be inundated with hummingbirds - they will hover in line for a chance at these nectar-rich blooms! The fruits of this tree are small (2.5” long), necklace-shaped pods that contain gorgeous red & black seeds, known as “lucky beans”, which age to a rich mahogany & are often used in folk jewelry. Growing about 20-40’ high with a spread of around 25-35’ on average - the size can vary greatly depending on climate & soil conditions. Prefers moist soil, but will tolerate dry conditions in coastal regions. Caution: Hard-shelled seeds can be poisonous to some animals.

    By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Gardening facts about Erythrina caffra plant

    How to Grow Erythrina caffra

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture - drought tolerant

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • red
      • coral

    • Wildlife

      • hummingbirds

    • Flower Season

      • winter
      • spring

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

    Landscape groups by tags

    See other plant types of Erythrina for your garden

    Erythrina zeyheri

    aka Plough Breaker

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    8a-10b

    Size

    Height: 2'-3'

    Width: 2'-3'

    • sun
    • low - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Erythrina zeyheri flower by Karl Gercens III
    View Plant

    Erythrina x bidwillii

    aka Hybrid Coral Bean

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    7b-10b

    Size

    Height: 6'-12'

    Width: 8'

    • sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Erythrina x bidwillii flower by Karl Gercens III
    View Plant

    More Options

    Erythrina lysistemon

    aka Common Coral Tree, Lucky Bean Tree

    Plant Type

    Tree

    Zones

    9a-11

    Size

    Height: 15'-30'

    Width: 15'-30'

    • sun
    • regular - low
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Erythrina lysistemon flower by gailhampshire
    View Plant

    More Options

    Erythrina crista-galli

    aka Cockspur Coral Tree, Crybaby Tree, Fireman's Cap

    Plant Type

    Tree, Shrub

    Zones

    9a-11

    Size

    Height: 15'-20'

    Width: 15'-20'

    • sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Erythrina crista-galli flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
    View Plant

    More Options

    Erythrina humeana

    aka Natal Coral Tree

    Plant Type

    Tree, Shrub

    Zones

    9a-11

    Size

    Height: 5'-10'

    Width: 5'

    • sun
    • regular
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Erythrina humeana flower by Karl Gercens III
    View Plant

    More Options

    +8 more Erythrina
    Mailing List
    Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

    © 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved