Family: Fabaceae
Scientific name: Erythrina arborescens
Common name: Coral tree
Origin: India

A beautiful, fairly rare coral bush from the Himalayas that performs well in temperate climates as a container plant. The small tree is quite beautiful, with orange-red flowers in clusters of up to 40 cm that can flourish largely. The plant grows in the Himalayas at altitudes between 1.200 and 3.000 meters, making the plant resistant to low temperatures. Down to five degrees Celsius, the plant will not experience any problems. Provide a sunny spot.

Sowing description: First, soak the seeds for 24 hours in lukewarm water. The seeds that sink can then be sown in sowing mix. Seeds that float must be sanded or even slightly nicked, and soaked again afterwards. Most should sink now. 

Keep the soil constantly moist and let them germinate at around 25 degC. 

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 5 degrees Celcius

Photos: Jason Russell via Flickr