Coral Plant
Coral plant is a fast growing evergreen shrub or small tree with a single trunk, a loose, spreading crown and a typical height in cultivation of 6-10′. The distinctive 7 to 15 lobed, finely divided leaves grow up to 12″ wide and are reminiscent of Cannabis sativa leaves. They are dark green above and lighter beneath. The flowers are reminiscent of Precious coral or red coral and borne in flat-topped clusters on long stalks held above the foliage. Coral plant blooms on and off all year long, especially during hot weather.
Plant Facts:
Common Name: Coral Plant
Botanical Name: Jatropha multifida
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree
Origin: Mexico, Brazil, West Indies
Zones: 10-11 (min. 50 degrees F, leaf drop below 40 degrees F)
Height: 10 – 15′, spreading to 12′
Rate of Growth: Fast
Salt Tolerance: Medium
Soil Requirements: Any with good drainage
Water Requirements: Very drought tolerant, additional watering not needed once established
Nutritional Requirements: Fertilize twice yearly
Light Requirements: Full sun
Form: Semi-succulent shrub
Leaves: Dark green, finely divided-lobed, rounded to 12″ wide
Flowers: Numerous long stalked small red flowers on coral-like inflorescences
Fruits: Yellow, round, nut-like
Pests or diseases: Aphids, mealy bugs, scale, rust and fungal leaf spot
Uses: Specimen, accent, container plant. Flowers attractive to butterflies such as Zebra Longwing, Monarch, Gulf Fritillary and others.
Bad Habits: May be noxious or invasive, seeds sprout readily. Dropped leaves and fruit stain concrete. Milky sap stains clothes. Seeds are poisonous.
Cost: $$ — reasonable
Propagation: Seeds or cuttings
Bad Habits: Prune weak branches when required
Cost: $$ — reasonable
Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings or air-layer in spring
Sources (“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”): ORNAMENTAL TROPICAL SHRUBS, AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY A-Z ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GARDEN PLANTS
