Erythrina crista-galli (Common Coral Tree)
Christ's Tears, Cockspur Coral Tree, Common Coral Tree, Cry-Baby Plant, Cry-Baby Tree
Award-winning Erythrina crista-galli (Common Coral Tree) is a small, deciduous, corky-barked tree with attractive foliage and showy flowers. Its spiny branches are covered with leathery, dark green leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), composed of 3 triangular leaflets. They remain fresh-looking throughout the growing season. Magnificent, coral-red, velvety, pea-like flowers borne in drooping clusters, up to 2 ft. long (60 cm), bloom after the leaves unfurl in mid-spring. Up to two additional waves of bloom may occur in summer to early fall depending on the environment. The blossoms give way to seed pods, 3-8 in. long (7-20 cm) which ripen to brown. Long-lived, Common Coral Tree is an excellent ornamental flowering tree, shade tree or street tree where winter hardy.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall (4-6 m) and 10-15 ft. wide (3-5 m).
- Easily grown in sandy, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Protect with thick mulch in winter.
- Great as a specimen plant in Mediterranean gardens, cottage gardens and containers.
- Virtually disease free and pest free. Keep an eye out for twig borers, thrips and nematodes.
- Best to prune this tree at least annually to remove the past year's spent flower spikes, to encourage repeat flowering and maintain size.
- The plant contains alkaloids that have powerful narcotic and purgative effects. The seeds of all members of this genus are said to be poisonous to animals and humans.
- Propagate by seed, softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 8
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Spread | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Garden Uses | Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
By Igor Grochev, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 8
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Spread | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Garden Uses | Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |