Abyssinian Coral Tree Plant Care

Abyssinian Coral Tree (Erythrina abyssinica) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Erythrina genus. Abyssinian Coral Tree is native to East Africa, Eastern DRC and southern Africa. Abyssinian Coral Tree is also known as Umbrella Tree, Erythrina abyssinica.

Abyssinian Coral Tree displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Abyssinian Coral Tree produces showy clusters of red, orange, or yellow pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Abyssinian Coral Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Abyssinian Coral Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Erythrina abyssinica tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Abyssinian Coral Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Abyssinian Coral Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Abyssinian Coral Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Abyssinian Coral Tree is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Abyssinian Coral Tree can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Abyssinian Coral Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Abyssinian Coral Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Abyssinian Coral Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coral tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Abyssinian Coral Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Abyssinian Coral Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Abyssinian Coral Tree is native to East Africa, Eastern DRC and southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Abyssinian Coral Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.