Erythrina crista-galli

Features and care

Erythrina crista-galli, known as the cockspur coral tree or ceibo, is a small tree that can also take on a shrubby habit. Its red clusters are a recognisable floral accent in warm gardens, parks and plantings where the irregular shape of the trunk can be appreciated.

The leaves are compound and trifoliate, with broad green leaflets. The foliage may drop in cold spells, revealing a heavily branched structure. The crimson, pea-like flowers appear in terminal clusters during the warm season and are followed by pods that darken as they ripen.

It needs full sun and moist soil, with very high watering through frequent, deep applications. It tolerates brief flooding, although prolonged lack of oxygen at the roots should be avoided. Its growth is fast and it reaches 5 to 10 m. It is adapted to very high humidity and to USDA zones 8b–11, being sensitive to hard frosts and responding best in sheltered spots.

At Ornacom we cultivate each specimen directly, guaranteeing a balanced size and abundant flowering from the first years of planting.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so any visitor can see at a glance whether the plant suits their climate and garden.

Cultivation

Exposure

Full sun

Watering

ORN-RIEGO 5/5 · very high — frequent, deep watering; adjust to avoid prolonged hypoxia

Soil / moisture

Moist; tolerates brief flooding

Flowering

Summer

Climate

USDA hardiness

Zones 8b – 11

Compatible climates

Cfa, Cwa, Aw, Am subtropical

Humid climate tolerance

ORN-HUM 5/5 · very high

Maintenance

Growth

ORN-ALT 4/5 · 5–10 m · fast growth

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 3/5 · medium — sap-sucking/boring insects and leaf or root fungi; watch for water stress

Fertilising

ORN-ABONO 2/5 · low — prioritise soil and organic matter; fertilise in spring only based on analysis and vigour

  • Warning

Sensitive to hard frosts; brittle branches and highly toxic seeds.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so any visitor can see at a glance whether the plant suits their climate and garden.

Cultivation

Exposure

Full sun

Watering

ORN-RIEGO 5/5 · very high — frequent, deep watering; adjust to avoid prolonged hypoxia

Soil / moisture

Moist; tolerates brief flooding

Flowering

Summer

Climate

USDA hardiness

Zones 8b – 11

Compatible climates

Cfa, Cwa, Aw, Am subtropical

Humid climate tolerance

ORN-HUM 5/5 · very high

Maintenance

Growth

ORN-ALT 4/5 · 5–10 m · fast growth

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 3/5 · medium — sap-sucking/boring insects and leaf or root fungi; watch for water stress

Fertilising

ORN-ABONO 2/5 · low — prioritise soil and organic matter; fertilise in spring only based on analysis and vigour

  • Warning

Sensitive to hard frosts; brittle branches and highly toxic seeds.

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