Erythrina crista galli (Coral Tree) seeds

Very exotic-looking, upright, deciduous shrub from Brazil and one of the most spectacular members of the Pea family. This stunning shrub has few rivals when it comes to the brilliance of its deep scarlet flowers which are borne in large racemes from summer to autumn. Almost hardy, but roots will need protection in winter with a mulch. In cold areas, will behave more like a perennial and will die back to ground level in winter. Very easy to grow.

Winner of the Award of Garden Merit.

Half-Hardy Shrub
Flowers: Summer to autumn
Height: Up to 3m but will be smaller in this country due to winter die-back, unless kept in a greenhouse.
Position: Sun

Packet of 5 seeds

RHS Award of Garden Merit

This plant/cultivar has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit because it has proved to be reliable in appropriate conditions and a good performing plant. For more information on RHS award of Garden Merit plants visit rhs.org.uk/plants

GROWING GUIDE

Pre-sowing Treatment: Soak the seeds in water which starts off hand hot for 24 hours or until the seeds start to swell.

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year. Sow in trays or pots of moist seed compost (eg. John Innes) at a depth of 6mm and place in a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag. Maintain an optimum temperature of 20-23C and germination should take place in 5 - 20 days.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into small pots (7-9cm). Grow on in cooler conditions (about 15C) and if necessary, over-winter at a temperature of about 5C. Harden off and plant out when all risk of frost has passed in a sheltered sunny site.

Aftercare Instructions: Will need winter protection for roots with a heavy mulch if planted in the border or moving to a frost free greenhouse if kept in a pot.