About
A small deciduous tree with spiny branches and leathery leaves composed of 3 triangular leaflets, with racemes of deep scarlet, pea-like flowers 5cm in length in summer and autumn.
About the genus
Erythrina can be deciduous or evergreen subshrubs, shrubs or trees, often spiny, with trifoliate leaves and showy pea-like flowers which may be solitary, or in axillary or terminal racemes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toSouth America
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Protect with thick mulch in winter. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs when grown under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)