“Cry-baby Tree”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
Another late comer. Lately, I have been posting about the “blooming later than normal” plants. Well, I have one more to add to that list. Our Cry-baby tree (Erythrina crista-galli) has started blooming. This plant sports huge spikes of deep coral-red blooms throughout the summer. It is fast growing and, in our garden, quickly became a small tree.
This plant is only hardy to zone 8, and, in my experience, it does get knocked back a bit in the winter, but quickly recovers to show off these wonderful flowers which attract hummingbirds. Hummers are not the only birds who like this tree. Every year there is a bird’s nest in this tree. Birds must like the thick foliage which hides the nest.
I acquired my tree from a seedling given to me by a neighbor. Every summer when I see these gorgeous flowers, I am thankful for that neighbor’s generosity.
Always Growing 
nancybond said,
June 8, 2010 at 7:13 am
What a gorgeous plant — I can’t imagine how pretty it must be in tree size.
Jan said,
June 8, 2010 at 7:50 am
Yes, Nancy, it is lovely to see all those large spikes of flowers. My tree is about twelve feet tall now.
Patty said,
June 8, 2010 at 10:30 am
Do these produce through seeds? If so, same me some.
Jan said,
June 8, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Sure thing, Patty, but it might be easier to send you a seedling in the spring before it gets so hot. You will probably have to keep it in a container because it is only hardy to about zone 8. It just won’t get as big as mine.
Dan said,
June 8, 2010 at 2:45 pm
My mother used to have this tree in her yard when I was a kid in the 70’s. I had forgotten how pretty it is. You are right, the hummingbirds love these flowers.
Jan said,
June 8, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Dan, this is supposed to be an heirloom plant. I know it has been around the South a long time. It is a great summer blooming small tree.