Plant Library

Other Names:  Shrub Coral Bean, Fireman's Cap

Description:

A deciduous to semi evergreen shrub or small tree when protected from frost; roots are hardier so this variety will die back and re-emerge in spring in colder areas; dazzling red flower clusters from early summer to fall; attracts hummingbirds

Ornamental Features

Bidwell's Coral Tree features showy clusters of red tubular flowers at the ends of the branches from early summer to mid fall. It has green foliage with light green veins. The pointy leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape Attributes

Bidwell's Coral Tree is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Bidwell's Coral Tree is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Bidwell's Coral Tree will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.