How to Grow Coral Tree

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Coral Tree

Erythrina variegata

tree

Erythrina variegata, commonly known as the Coral Tree or Tiger's Claw, is a tropical to subtropical deciduous tree prized for its striking scarlet-red flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge. The tree features thorny branches, compound leaves with three leaflets, and can reach 30-40 feet in height. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental and is valued for its dramatic floral display.

Looking for a specific variety?

Erythrina variegata var. orientalis Erythrina variegata 'Variegated'

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Example Coral Tree timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Coral Tree
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Coral Tree
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Coral Tree dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for optimal flowering

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Water: Moderate watering during growing season; drought-tolerant once established. Reduce watering during dormant winter period. Avoid waterlogged soil.

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Spacing: 360 inches

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Days to maturity: 3-5 years to first flowering from seed

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Planting depth: Plant seed 1 inch deep; set transplants at same depth as root ball

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam to gravelly soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Perlite for drainage Sand if soil is clay-heavy

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 10-11; can tolerate zone 9b with protection in mild winters

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

4-8 weeks

Tender young plant with simple leaves emerging from soil; delicate and vulnerable to cold and excessive moisture

Keep in warm location (70-85°F), provide bright light, protect from cold drafts, maintain consistently moist but not waterlogged soil

Juvenile

1-2 years

Young tree develops compound leaves and increasing branch structure; woody stem thickens, thorns begin to appear

Establish regular deep watering schedule, provide support stake if needed, light pruning to shape form, begin hardening off gradually to outdoor conditions

Vegetative Growth

1-3 years

Vigorous leafy growth phase with expanding canopy; tree develops strong branching structure and established thorny branches

Water regularly during growing season, fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer, prune to maintain desired shape, thin dense growth to improve air circulation

Flowering

4-8 weeks in early spring

Tree loses leaves in late winter and produces abundant clusters of vibrant scarlet-red flowers (sometimes with orange or yellow markings) along bare branches

Reduce watering slightly, do not fertilize during flowering to avoid excessive vegetative growth at expense of blooms, provide full sun, deadhead spent flowers if desired

Fruiting & Dormancy

Variable; fruits mature over 4-6 months

After flowering, leaves emerge and long pod-like fruits develop; tree may enter dormant period with leaf drop in cooler months or during dry season

Resume normal watering after flowering, maintain minimal watering during dormancy, allow seed pods to mature if collecting seed, minimal fertilizer needed

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Flame Vine Bougainvillea Lantana Desert Rose Plumbago

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistently moist soil Shade-loving understory plants Cold-sensitive tropical plants in marginal zones

Common Pests

Prune and destroy affected branches, maintain tree vigor through proper watering and fertilization, monitor for swollen branch galls, may require professional arborist intervention in severe infestations
Spray foliage with water to dislodge, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, increase humidity if indoors, remove heavily infested leaves
Hand-pick beetles if infestation is light, use neem oil spray, encourage natural predators, maintain tree health
Inspect regularly, prune heavily infested branches, apply horticultural oil, treat with insecticidal soap in early season

Uses

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Traditional medicine and herbal uses

Culinary

In traditional Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian medicine, various parts of Erythrina variegata including bark, roots, and seeds are used to prepare decoctions and extracts believed to have anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties. [source]

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Dramatic spring flowering

Ornamental

Erythrina variegata is prized as a specimen tree and focal point in tropical and subtropical landscapes for its spectacular show of scarlet flowers that appear on bare branches before leaf emergence. [source]

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Nectar source for pollinators

Wildlife

The abundant tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, sunbirds, and native bees, providing an important nectar source during spring flowering period. [source]

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Shade tree and windbreak

Household

Due to its substantial size and spreading canopy, Erythrina variegata serves as an effective shade tree and natural windbreak in tropical and subtropical regions. [source]

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Alkaloidal compounds

Medicinal

Seeds and various plant parts contain alkaloids and phytochemical compounds that have been studied for potential medicinal applications in traditional healing systems. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For ornamental purposes, enjoy flowers in place; they are not typically harvested. If collecting seed, allow pod fruits to dry on tree until brown, then harvest and open pods to extract hard seeds. Scarification or warm water soaking improves germination of collected seeds.

Fun Facts

🌱 Erythrina variegata is named 'variegata' (meaning variegated or streaked) because some flowers display orange or yellow streaking in addition to the primary scarlet red coloration, and some cultivars have variegated leaves with white or cream markings.
🌱 The tree's wood is extremely lightweight and buoyant, historically used in Southeast Asia and the Pacific for outrigger canoe construction and as a material for life preservers.
🌱 The dramatic pre-leaf flowering strategy is an adaptation to tropical dry seasons, allowing flowers to be displayed prominently before leaf emergence competes for resources, and is pollinated by migratory sunbirds in some regions.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Germination Hardening Off pH

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