Coral Tree in Perth — Brilliant Scarlet Flowers and a Natural Aviary
 
The Coral Tree (Erythrina variegata, syn. Erythrina indica) is one of the most spectacular and rewarding flowering feature trees you can plant in a Perth garden — a fast-growing deciduous tree from tropical Asia that produces vivid scarlet-red flowers on bare branches through winter and spring, turning the garden into what one botanist memorably described as a natural aviary as honeyeaters, lorikeets, and nectar-feeding birds flock to the flowers in abundance. Bold, dramatic, fast-growing, and genuinely extraordinary in full winter flower — the Coral Tree is a Perth garden statement tree unlike almost any other.
 
Scarlet Flowers on Bare Branches — Perth's Winter Showstopper
From winter through to spring the Coral Tree produces dense upright spikes of brilliant scarlet to crimson flowers 15 to 20cm long — appearing directly on the bare branches before a single leaf emerges. The effect of those vivid red flower spikes against the dark bare branches with no foliage competition is genuinely breathtaking — one of the most striking winter flowering displays available in any Perth garden.
 
The flowers are nectar-rich and irresistible to birds — planting a Coral Tree in a Perth garden practically guarantees daily visits from honeyeaters, wattlebirds, lorikeets, and other nectar-feeders throughout winter and spring, making it one of the best wildlife trees available for Perth suburban gardens.
 
As the flowers fade in early summer the new bright green leaves emerge quickly, providing a full dense spreading canopy of attractive trifoliate foliage through the warmer months before the cycle repeats.
 
Distinctive Bark and Character
 
The Coral Tree's bark is as ornamental as its flowers — smooth and bright green when young, gradually exfoliating in papery flakes before becoming thick, corky, and deeply fissured as the tree matures, giving older specimens a wonderfully characterful gnarled appearance. Young stems carry stout conical spines that naturally fall away after two to four years, so mature trees are generally spine-free.
 
As a member of the legume family the Coral Tree also fixes nitrogen in the soil — benefiting surrounding plants and improving soil health over time.
 
Key Features at a Glance
Mature height: 8 – 10 metres
Mature width: 6 – 10 metres — spreading open canopy
Aspect: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soils — tolerates a wide range from sandy to clay
Deciduous: Yes — drops leaves before winter flowering
Flowers: Brilliant scarlet-red terminal spikes 15-20cm, winter to spring — on bare branches
Wildlife: Outstanding — honeyeaters, lorikeets and nectar birds flock to flowers
Nitrogen fixing: Yes — improves surrounding soil
Growth rate: Fast
Drought tolerant: Yes once established
Thorns: Yes on young stems — naturally fall off after 2-4 years
Best suited to: Feature specimen trees, large Perth gardens, wildlife gardens, parks
 
Growing Coral Tree in Perth
 
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. The Coral Tree is adaptable to Perth's sandy soils and establishes quickly in Perth's warm climate. Water regularly while establishing then reduce as drought tolerance develops — this tree thrives on occasional deep watering rather than frequent light irrigation.
 
Prune lightly after the main spring flowering to maintain shape if needed. The naturally spreading open habit requires minimal intervention — the tree develops its own characterful form over time. Keep prunings away from waterways and natural bushland.
 
Best Suited To
Spectacular winter and spring flowering feature trees in large Perth gardens
Outstanding wildlife gardens — one of Perth's best bird-attracting trees
Fast-growing shade trees for Perth parks and open spaces
Bold tropical-style Perth garden designs
Anyone wanting dramatic scarlet winter colour and constant bird activity in their Perth garden
 
Order Your Coral Tree Online
Perth Trees Direct delivers healthy, established Coral Trees direct to your door across the Perth metro area. Professional planting and installation can be added using the dropdown above. Contact us at info@perthtreesdirect.com.au if you have any questions about whether the Coral Tree is right for your Perth garden.