Shrub
Coral Bean
Erythrina herbacea
Varieties We Carry
StandardErythrina herbaceaRedErythrina herbacea
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$7.95
3 galFrom$19.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterLow
Mature size5-10 feet (shrub in north FL, dying to roots each winter and resprouting; tree form only in frost-free south FL) × 6-10 feet
About Coral Bean
Coral bean (Erythrina herbacea) is a Florida native shrub or small tree producing vivid scarlet tubular flowers on tall spikes in spring, followed by seed pods containing brilliant red seeds. The showy blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies. Starting at $7.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Grow in full sun to part shade; full sun produces the most prolific spring flower display on tall spikes that hummingbirds love.
Water
Drought-tolerant once established; rarely needs supplemental irrigation in NE Florida after the first season. Avoid wet, poorly drained sites.
Soil & Fertilizer
Thrives in sandy, well-drained soils typical of NE Florida; minimal fertilizer needed. Cut stems to the ground after hard freezes — new growth emerges from the roots each spring.
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Common questions
Is Coral Bean a good plant for St. Augustine?
Coral Bean is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 5-10 feet (shrub in north FL, dying to roots each winter and resprouting; tree form only in frost-free south FL) × 6-10 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.