Erythrina bidwillii (E. herbacea x E. crista Galli)
Erythrina × bidwillii, commonly called coral tree or Bidwill’s hybrid coral bean, is the result of a purposeful, interspecific cross between two Erythrina species: E. herbacea, native to the southern United States, and E. crista-galli, native to central South America. This plant is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that can reach up to 12′ tall and 10′ wide. The compound leaves are made up to three, deltoid (triangle-shaped) leaflets. Clusters of bright red, 2″ long blooms are held on the ends of terminal flowering stalks that can reach up to 3′ long. Flowering begins in summer and continues until frost. In frost-free areas, this plant will bloom continuously from spring into winter. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, and it is also a host plant to the Frosted Flasher Butterfly.
Easily grown in evenly moist, well-draining, sandy loams in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soil types as long as they are well-draining. Takes well to pruning and can be trained to climb a trellis. Prune back in spring to control size. The ultimate size and growth habit of this plant is determined in part by the climate in which it is planted. May suffer some dieback in areas with light frosts. In the colder ends of its hardiness range, this plant may dieback completely to the ground but will send up new growth from the roots. A generous layer of winter mulch is recommended to help insulate the rootstock. This plant is slow to begin growing in spring.
Height: 8′-12′ Spread 6’-10′ Bloom: June-December Light: Full sun Water: Medium Zone: 8-10 Origin: Hybrid
