Desert Coral Tree Plant Care

Desert Coral Tree (Erythrina flabelliformis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Erythrina genus. Desert Coral Tree is native to central and northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Desert Coral Tree is also known as Bat Wing Coral Tree, Southwestern Coral Bean, Coral Bean.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Desert 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.

Desert Coral Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Desert 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.

Desert Coral Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Desert 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 Desert 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.

Desert Coral Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Desert Coral Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Desert 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.

Desert Coral Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Desert Coral Tree is native to central and northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States. In cooler regions, grow Desert Coral Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.