The Coral Bean, Erythrina x bidwillii, is a colorful addition to any drought tolerant garden. They love the hot Texas heat and bloom like crazy!
The blooms are a vibrant red and are wonderful plants to attract hummingbirds. Here in Austin and the surrounding area, they will grow more mound-like or bush-like. They will die down in the winter and start anew in the spring.
Quick Facts: Coral Bean (Erythrina x bidwillii)
Plant Type: Deciduous perennial shrub (in Austin), depending on winter might die back to the ground.
Bloom Color: Vibrant, deep velvet red.
Bloom Time: Spring through fall—they love the Texas heat!.
Size: Typically grows 3–7 feet tall in a season here in Austin.
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Water Needs: Very low once established; highly drought tolerant.
Wildlife: A top choice for attracting hummingbirds.
In other areas, they can grow up to be more of a tree form which is really impressive. I have seen some with in other parts of the country that are trees and are simply stunning.
We have one planted in a bed at the nursery, last year it grew about 7 feet tall and right now is loaded with blooms.
Those deep velvet red blooms are hard to beat. Once established, they require little attention other than the attention they get from you admiring the blooms and the multitude of hummingbirds that will visit.
