Coral bean is generally found growing in coastal hammocks, inland hammocks and along road sides, but can also be found in open sandy woods and clearings. In the home landscape it can be grown in part shade to full sun with average moisture. They tolerate transplanting well.
Some literature lists an Erythrina arborea as a separate species found in south Florida; however most authors believe this to be merely a climatic adaptation. As was stated earlier it will become tree-like if not taken by a freeze. Erythrina is derived from ‘erythros’, which in Greek means red, and herbacea which means not woody.
Buy coral bean seeds from Sharon’s Florida Store which specializes in Florida ecotype seeds.