Redcardinal (Erythrina herbacea)

Erythrina herbacea, commonly known as Redcardinal, is a perennial shrub native to the southeastern US, featuring vibrant red flowers and attractive foliage.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Watering

Moderate

Soil

Well-draining soil is crucial. Prefers sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Temperature

Ideal Growing Range

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Light Feeding

Care Requirements

Light

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Water

Moderate

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter.

Soil

Well-draining soil is crucial. Prefers sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Temperature

Ideal Growing Range

18-25 °C

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Light Feeding

Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release formula.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Category

Flowering, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden, Pot

Plant Environment

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

1-2 m

Spread

1-2 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Compound

Flower Size

5-8 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jul

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Aug

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Corallodendron herbaceum (L.) Kuntze

Erythrina arborea Small

Erythrina hederifolia (Raf.) Spreng.

Erythrina humilis Salisb.

Erythrina rubicunda Jacq.

Xyphanthus hederifolius Raf.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderFabales
familyFabaceae
genusErythrina
speciesErythrina herbacea

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Yes

Rating: 4/5

Toxic for pets

Yes

Rating: 4/5

Edible

Additional Care Tips

Water moderately during the growing season, ensuring good drainage. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter dormancy.

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to shape the plant. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage reblooming.

Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring, often after scarification or stratification. Stem cuttings can also be taken in summer.

Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years in spring, using a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.

FAQs

Is Erythrina herbacea poisonous to pets?

Yes, Erythrina herbacea contains toxic alkaloids and can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets.

What are the best growing conditions for Redcardinal?

Redcardinal thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and prefers moderate watering.

When does Erythrina herbacea bloom?

Erythrina herbacea typically blooms from late spring through summer, producing striking spikes of red flowers.

Can Erythrina herbacea be grown in containers?

Yes, Erythrina herbacea can be grown in containers, provided they have good drainage and are repotted every few years.

How should I prune my Redcardinal plant?

Prune Erythrina herbacea in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and to maintain its shape. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms.

Care Requirements

Light

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Water

Moderate

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter.

Soil

Well-draining soil is crucial. Prefers sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Temperature

Ideal Growing Range

18-25 °C

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Light Feeding

Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release formula.

Additional Care Tips

Water moderately during the growing season, ensuring good drainage. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter dormancy.

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to shape the plant. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage reblooming.

Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring, often after scarification or stratification. Stem cuttings can also be taken in summer.

Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years in spring, using a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.

FAQs