Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree - Evergreen Trees Direct

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Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree

$680.00

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Size: 150L

150L

Current Stock Height Guides

150L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m to 12m

Mature Width: 6m to 10m

Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree is expected to grow 50cm to 100cm per year (fast).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree

Erythrina indica, also listed as Erythrina variegata, is the Indian Coral Tree, a broad deciduous tree with a thick trunk and heavy spreading limbs. Bright green trifoliate leaves clothe the canopy in the warm months. Before they return, bare branches carry large clusters of scarlet pea flowers held above the crown.

Give it full sun and free draining soil. It is fast, putting on 50 to 100 centimetres a year, and copes with salt wind, poor sandy ground and dry spells once established. Frost is its limit: young trees are cut back by even light frost, so plant it in frost free coastal, tropical and subtropical districts.

It suits parks, large gardens, civic plantings and beachside reserves, set 3 to 4 metres apart as an avenue or given room to spread as a single feature. Nectar feeding birds work the flowers all winter. Keep it well clear of paths and buildings, since the wood is brittle and the branches carry short prickles.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Indian Coral Tree

What is the Indian Coral Tree?

The Indian Coral Tree is Erythrina indica, also sold under the name Erythrina variegata, a deciduous tree from coastal tropical Asia and the Pacific. It grows a broad open crown on thick prickly limbs, drops its leaves in winter, then flowers heavily on the bare wood in bold scarlet before the new foliage appears.

How big does Erythrina indica grow?

Mature trees reach 8 to 12 metres tall with a spread of 6 to 10 metres, forming a rounded open crown that is often as wide as the tree is tall. Give it that much room from the outset. In exposed coastal positions it tends to stay lower and broader, shaped by the prevailing wind.

How fast does it grow?

Fast. In warm frost free conditions expect 50 to 100 centimetres a year, with young trees making the most of it and slowing as they broaden out. The trade off is soft brittle wood, so it is worth staking and formative pruning early to build a sound branch structure rather than letting it run unchecked.

When does it flower?

Flowering runs from late winter into spring, roughly July through October, while the tree is still bare. Large upright clusters of scarlet pea shaped flowers sit on the ends of the branches and are visible from a long way off. Lorikeets and honeyeaters feed on them constantly, which is often the first sign a tree has opened.

Is it frost tolerant?

Not really, despite what it is sometimes sold as. It is a tropical species and young trees are damaged or killed back by frost, with even established trees marked by a hard one. Treat it as a plant for frost free coastal, subtropical and tropical gardens. Inland cold districts are not suitable positions for it.

Is it safe around pets and children?

The seeds and seed pods contain toxic alkaloids and should not be eaten, so it is worth knowing about if small children use the garden. The branches and young trunk also carry short sharp prickles. Neither rules it out as a park or street tree, but it is better placed away from play areas and narrow paths.

How do I prune and care for an Indian Coral Tree?

Prune after flowering finishes in spring, shortening long limbs to keep the crown compact and the brittle wood under control. Water through the first two summers, then it manages on rainfall in most coastal areas. It needs little feeding. Wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning, and clear fallen pods if children are about.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Shade Tree
Avenue Planting

Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Wildlife Garden – planting to attract birds, bees, and pollinators.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree Evergreen or Deciduous?

Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m to 12m

Mature Width: 6m to 10m

Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree is expected to grow 50cm to 100cm per year (fast).

Growth Rate of Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree

Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree is expected to grow 50cm to 100cm per year (fast).

They are considered to have a:

Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree

Is Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree frost tolerant?

Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Does Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree Flower?

Erythrina indica produces striking clusters of long, tubular scarlet-red flowers in late winter and early spring. These dramatic blooms appear on bare branches before the foliage returns, creating a bold, high-impact display that stands out brilliantly in the seasonal landscape.

Does Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Winter

Flower Type:

Clustered
Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Red

Is Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree an Australian Native Tree?

No

Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree is Native to Native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, where it grows in warm tropical and subtropical regions. Cultivated widely as an ornamental and shade tree.

What is the Wildlife Value of Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree ?

Its nectar-rich winter–spring flowers attract honeyeaters, parrots, native bees and butterflies, providing an important food source when few other trees are flowering. The thick, sculptural branches also offer perching sites and shelter for small birds, contributing to a biodiverse and active garden ecosystem.

How much Sunlight does Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree need?

Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Erythrina indica performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It can struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained soil unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then move to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support strong flowering, structural growth and high drought resilience.

Is Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree Drought Tolerant?

Is Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Erythrina indica develops excellent drought tolerance. It performs strongly in hot, dry and coastal environments and maintains its broad, spreading canopy with minimal supplementary watering.

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How To Plant Your Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree is expected to grow 50cm to 100cm per year (fast).

Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, keep the root zone consistently moist with weekly deep watering and additional water during hot dry spells.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Erythrina indica – Indian Coral Tree in Different Soil

Erythrina indica performs best in rich, well-drained loam with a slightly acidic pH and consistent moisture. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage and organic matter are managed well.

Sandy soil: Free-draining but enrich heavily with compost and mulch deeply to hold moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost, and mound slightly to lift the root zone.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent flowering.

pH: Slightly acidic preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter or pine bark to maintain levels naturally.