The coral bean (Erythrina
herbacea) is low-maintenance specimen. Grow the coral bean plant in a
natural garden or as part of a mixed shrub border. Colorful and attractive, the
plant has showy spring, tubular blooms and pods of attention-grabbing red seeds
in autumn. Green pea-like pods turn blackish purple with seeds that are shiny
and scarlet inside.
Grow the coral bean with other
colorful plants, as the shiny leaves may become sparse during summer heat.
Flowers are shaped like an arrowhead and blooms appear profusely on numerus
annual stems. They are a magnet for hummingbirds.
About Coral Bean Planting
Also called the Cherokee bean, this family of plants grows in warm-season climates around the world. In most areas without freezing temperatures, the perennial remains or dies back to return in spring.
Grow it as an annual in locations with freezing temperatures. If your winters are only somewhat cold, just the top of the bush may die out. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Collect seeds from the autumn pods
if you wish to grow it in a different area. It is recommended to wear gloves,
as the attractive red seeds are poisonous. Otherwise, dropping seeds will
likely produce more plants the following year. When collecting seeds or working
with the plant, be careful of occasional thorns too. And, of course, don’t
allow children to touch the seeds. In fact, you may want to avoid it altogether
if you have small kids or pets.
How to Plant Coral Bean
When planting, add coarse sand or other amendment to make soil well draining for the top 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.). This plant is particularly sensitive to water on the roots. If soil is clay, amend it before planting with coarse sand.
When planting several coral bean plants, allow 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) between them. Dig a hole deep enough that the top of the plant’s soil is even with the ground.
Water the plants thoroughly after
planting. Water slowly so that it penetrates the root system and ensure that it
drains off quickly. The plant should not sit in water for an extended period of
time. Continue to water once a week during the first season.
Coral bean care includes watering and fertilization with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Add a 2 to 3 inch (5-8 cm.) covering of mulch to retain moisture and protect the sensitive root system from cold.
Enjoy the beautiful springtime
blooms and the hordes of hummingbirds which are commonly drawn to the plant.
The coral bean (Erythrina
herbacea) is low-maintenance specimen. Grow the coral bean plant in a
natural garden or as part of a mixed shrub border. Colorful and attractive, the
plant has showy spring, tubular blooms and pods of attention-grabbing red seeds
in autumn. Green pea-like pods turn blackish purple with seeds that are shiny
and scarlet inside.
Grow the coral bean with other
colorful plants, as the shiny leaves may become sparse during summer heat.
Flowers are shaped like an arrowhead and blooms appear profusely on numerus
annual stems. They are a magnet for hummingbirds.
About Coral Bean Planting
Also called the Cherokee bean, this family of plants grows in warm-season climates around the world. In most areas without freezing temperatures, the perennial remains or dies back to return in spring.
Grow it as an annual in locations with freezing temperatures. If your winters are only somewhat cold, just the top of the bush may die out. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Collect seeds from the autumn pods
if you wish to grow it in a different area. It is recommended to wear gloves,
as the attractive red seeds are poisonous. Otherwise, dropping seeds will
likely produce more plants the following year. When collecting seeds or working
with the plant, be careful of occasional thorns too. And, of course, don’t
allow children to touch the seeds. In fact, you may want to avoid it altogether
if you have small kids or pets.
How to Plant Coral Bean
When planting, add coarse sand or other amendment to make soil well draining for the top 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.). This plant is particularly sensitive to water on the roots. If soil is clay, amend it before planting with coarse sand.
When planting several coral bean plants, allow 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) between them. Dig a hole deep enough that the top of the plant’s soil is even with the ground.
Water the plants thoroughly after
planting. Water slowly so that it penetrates the root system and ensure that it
drains off quickly. The plant should not sit in water for an extended period of
time. Continue to water once a week during the first season.
Coral bean care includes watering and fertilization with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Add a 2 to 3 inch (5-8 cm.) covering of mulch to retain moisture and protect the sensitive root system from cold.
Enjoy the beautiful springtime
blooms and the hordes of hummingbirds which are commonly drawn to the plant.