Desperately seeking erythrina crista-galli (cry-baby tree)
ourhighlandhome
6 years ago
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ourhighlandhome
6 years agoRelated Discussions
HAVE: Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur Coral Tree)
Comments (3)Saw one growing in the Hummingbird Garden at Powell Garden. I tracked down their master gardener to find out what it was, very striking, beautiful, 6 ft tree. The first thing I ask was is it hardy here. He said no, he plants it out in the spring, lets it grow all year, then chops it down in fall, digs up the root ball, throws it in a bucket and stores it for the winter, then replants it out again in spring. I figured I could do that too. I found a source for seeds and 3 of them germinated. Gave one to my sister in NJ and kept one for myself. The smallest one I thought was not going to make it, but it did and now seems to be a very healthy plant and I don't have room for more than one. I have mine in a large pot and am going to try and overwinter it inside and plant it out in the garden in spring if it makes it. This is my first time growing these so I can't give any advise about them....See Moreerythrina crista-galli (coral tree)
Comments (9)Most reference sources suggest that Erythrina crista-galli is better in zones 8 on up, but it probably can be overwintered if well mulched and given good drainage in winter. This species is South American, and is considered one of the hardiest large shrub/small tree species. Certainly summer heat will not phase this plant one bit, but it does like to grow along rivers and swamps in habitat, or it is best with summer water. Is not Erythrina herbacea native in the Carolinas? It is certainly fairly common in the Gulf Coast states. If E. x bidwillii is hardy enough to be grown as a die back perennial in your area, this is in my opinion the most beautiful flowered of all the Erythrinas, and also loves the heat. It flowers beautifully here in the San Francisco Bay Area by the time it finally heats up in late summer, but is much more abundant in bloom in hotter inland valleys or southern California, where it can become a small tree. I would guess that you probably won't have this plant get attacked by all the insects that destroy the flowers on Erythrina species in south Florida, as it doesn't sound like you have the critical mass of plants to attract the pest borers, beetles and caterpillars that can decimate them. We're lucky that way here in San Francisco as well, not enough of them in the landscape to keep the pests alive here year round. Some of the South African Erythrina species such as E. caffra and E. lysistemon are glorious down in southern California in mid winter bloom. We can also grow the Mexican E. coralloides here, which I also quite like, but it doesn't tend to bloom while deciduous or have the massively thick trunks of some of the South African species. Cool plants, and they all love hot summers, without any doubts....See MoreRx for a Cry Baby Tree?
Comments (1)Well you can always try superthrive and see if that will help. I think this drought and then monsoon has really done a number on many trees and shrubs that stress easy....See MoreCry Baby- Erythrina Crista galli
Comments (3)Hi Nancy League I am so thrilled the post office was VERY good! Surprise to receive your envie TODAY!! Wow that was fast I thank you so much for your generosity will plant those seedss next week. Marcie...See More
My3dogs ME zone 5A
6 years agoBummer! I have lived in Maine all my life and wouldn't want to be anywhere else, so I can understand! Part of my back yard (garden shed on left peeking out) -
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years agoourhighlandhome
6 years agoourhighlandhome
6 years ago
josephene_gw
6 years agojosephene_gw
6 years agoourhighlandhome
6 years ago
My3dogs ME zone 5A