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Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
1.5m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Erythrina crista-galli
Other names
Cockspur, Christ's tears, Coral tree, Cry-baby plant, Cockspur coral tree
Genus
Erythrina Erythrina
Species
E. crista-galli - E. crista-galli is a tender deciduous tree with dark-green ovate leaves, thorny stems and striking, dark-red flowers in late summer.
Erythrina crista-galli is: Deciduous
Toxicity
Seeds are poisonous
Flower
Dark-red in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
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Where to grow
Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive, free-draining soil in a mild, sheltered situation and apply a protective mulch in winter. Best grown under cover in loamy compost in cold areas.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Erythrina crista-galli
Other names
Cockspur, Christ's tears, Coral tree, Cry-baby plant, Cockspur coral tree
Genus
Erythrina Erythrina
Species
E. crista-galli - E. crista-galli is a tender deciduous tree with dark-green ovate leaves, thorny stems and striking, dark-red flowers in late summer.
Native to
South America
Foliage
Deciduous
Toxicity
Seeds are poisonous
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Colour
Flower
Dark-red in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer
General care
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive, free-draining soil in a mild, sheltered situation and apply a protective mulch in winter. Best grown under cover in loamy compost in cold areas.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 8
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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