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Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea), Shrub
Shrub

Coral Bean

Erythrina herbacea

Traits

Pollinator FriendlyFL FriendlyZone 9a Hardy

Varieties We Bring In

StandardErythrina herbaceaRedErythrina herbacea
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$7.95
3 galFrom$19.95

Last received Oct 14, 2026.

We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.

Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.

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
Visit Nursery

Pet toxicity: Toxic to dogs and cats

Pet safety guide

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.

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

Recommended months: March, April, May, September, October, November.

January, other month
February, other month
March, good window
April, good window
May, good window
June, other month
July, other month
August, other month
September, good window
October, good window
November, good window, this month
December, other month
This monthGood windowOther months

Seasonal care

Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.

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.

Similar needs

Deerberry

Deerberry

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

From $19.95Same conditions
Firebush

Firebush

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

From $9.95Same conditions
Florida Privet

Florida Privet

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

From $9.95Same conditions

Quailberry

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

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Rusty Lyonia

Rusty Lyonia

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

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Silverthorn

Silverthorn

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

From $16.95Same conditions

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Common questions

Is Coral Bean a good plant for St. Augustine?

Coral Bean is a shrub. Mature size: 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. Light: Full Sun, Part Sun. Water needs: Low. Coral Bean is native to Florida. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a.

What is the recorded pet toxicity for Coral Bean?

Toxic to dogs and cats

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.