Fireman's Cap (Erythrina × bidwillii): Coral Tree Hybrid

Fireman's cap, or shrub coral tree, is a hybrid erythrina (Erythrina × bidwillii) celebrated for its spectacular spikes of scarlet flowers. It is a versatile shrub or small tree for subtropical gardens.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub or small tree grows 10–15 feet tall. It has trifoliate leaves with prickly stems. The showstopper is the terminal racemes of vivid coral-red, pea-like flowers that appear in waves from spring through fall, attracting hummingbirds.

Cultivation and Uses

Fireman's cap prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established. In cooler zones, it may die back to the ground but resprout. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Use as a specimen, in mixed borders, or as a container plant.

Origin

This hybrid originated in Australia in the 1840s from a cross between E. crista-galli and E. herbacea.