Erythrina crista-galli 'Compacta'
A subtropical shrub or woody-based perennial, to around 1.5m high in cultivation, with spiny stems and dark green leaves divided into three leaflets. Produces long clusters of striking deep red pea-like flowers from summer into autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Erythrina can be deciduous or evergreen subshrubs, shrubs or trees, often spiny, with trifoliate leaves and showy pea-like flowers which may be solitary, or in axillary or terminal racemes
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, may be grown outdoors in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun; needs heat to flower well, so a position against a sunny wall is ideal. Plants often die back over winter and should be protected with a thick mulch. In colder areas, grow in a peat-free, loam-based compost in a temperate greenhouse, or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, both will need bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1; restrictive pruning may be required if grown under glass
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs when grown under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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