Plant your coral bean in late spring or early summer. During the winter, place your coral bean in a greenhouse. If left out, the plant will die in hardiness zones cooler than 8, such as in the Northeast.
Light
Coral bean shrub blooms best in full sun for four to six hours daily, but it can tolerate partial sun, as it naturally occurs along the edge of woodlands and forests.
Soil
Coral bean is adaptable to a wide range of soil types but thrives in sandy, acidic soil. If you’re planting coral beans in a clay-rich area, supplement the soil with coarse sand.
Water
Water the coral bean once a week for the first growing season to encourage growth. The shrub does not tolerate excess wetness and should never be waterlogged. Once established, the coral bean is a drought-tolerant shrub and requires only supplemental watering during abnormally long dry periods. Be mindful of inadequate rainfall.
Temperature and Humidity
The coral bean requires warm temperatures and thrives in USDA zones 8-11. In regions that experience cold winters with freezing temperatures, the coral bean can be grown as an annual rather than a perennial.
Fertilizer
The coral bean shrub does not require regular fertilizing. However, young plants benefit from fertilization in the spring to help boost growth. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, slow-release product. This shrub also benefits from annual mulching to help retain moisture and protect the sensitive root system from cold temperatures.
Pruning
The coral bean does not require heavy pruning but benefits from light yearly maintenance. Do not prune during the first growing season. In the spring of the second growing season, you may prune any dead or cold-damaged growth and trim to shape where necessary.
Propagating Coral Bean
You can propagate the coral bean shrub via semi-hardwood cuttings and division. You can take semi-hardwood cuttings in the late summer or early fall once the stems mature. The shrub can technically be propagated by division of the root ball at any time, but it is best to do so once the coral bean is well established with excess growth that you can easily separate. Here’s how to propagate coral bean:
How to Grow Coral Bean From Seeds
Coral bean seeds can be purchased from a nursery or garden center or collected directly from the plant. You can collect the seeds in the late summer or early fall. Always wear protective gloves when handling coral bean seeds, as the seeds are toxic (primarily if ingested). Coral bean seeds benefit from scarification to increase the germination rate. Plant seeds in the ground after the threat of frost and once the temperatures are consistently warm. When planting several shrubs together, ensure you sow the seeds between 3-5 feet apart.
Potting and Repotting Coral Bean
Coral bean may be grown in a container. It is best placed in full sun with southern exposure. Be sure to protect it from freezing during cold weather. Ensure that the potting medium is well-draining as the coral bean’s roots cannot tolerate sitting in water.
Overwintering
Coral bean is evergreen in tropical climates but will die in freezing winter temperatures. However, it will regrow in the spring. You may overwinter coral bean indoors, preferably in a greenhouse.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Coral bean is susceptible to infestation by a variety of moths. The shrub is relatively unaffected by disease but can develop funguses and root rot. Leucoptera erythrinella are particularly harmful to the coral bean.
How to Get Coral Bean to Bloom
The best way to ensure coral bean bloom is placement in full sun. Bloom occurs between May and June. To encourage growth, trim dead stem tips in the spring or frostbitten stems in cooler months. Bloom produces bright red, glossy flowers with arrowhead-shaped leaflets. The flowers grow in clusters, extending to about 12 inches in length. Hummingbirds will often feed on the bloomed coral bean.
Common Problems With Coral Beans
The problems you may have with coral beans are common to most shrubs. While the plant is relatively simple to care for, pay attention to issues like yellowing, browning, and wilting. Occasionally dust your coral bean to ensure proper photosynthesis and discourage discoloration.
Yellowing
Yellowing is the most common issue related to coral bean growth. Usually, this is caused by overwatering or inadequate nutrients like potassium, nitrogen, magnesium, and iron. Sunburn can also cause yellowing, in which case, move your plant to a slightly shadier area.
Browning
Browning on a coral bean can usually be attributed to dehydration or overexposure to direct sunlight. Consider adjusting your watering routine and placing your plant in a different location.
Wilting
Wilting is typically caused by dehydration. If your coral bean is particularly large, it will require more water than a smaller plant.
