4 named cultivars

tree

Red-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia ficifolia, the red-flowering gum, is an evergreen Australian tree with a dense, rounded canopy and thick, glossy dark green leaves. The terminal corymb clusters erupt with masses of stamens held in cup-like bases, ranging in colour from brilliant scarlet and orange to soft pink.

While wild specimens can grow straggly and reach up to fifteen metres, grafted garden cultivars remain compact and predictable in form. These grafted selections also bypass the soil and humidity sensitivities of the wild Western Australian species.

Uses & Benefits:

Massive terminal clusters of vibrant red, orange, or pink flowers set against dense, glossy dark green foliage.

Tolerates coastal salt spray and wind, making it an excellent windbreak or specimen tree for coastal landscapes.

Provides abundant nectar for native Australian bees, beneficial insect pollinators, and nectar-feeding birds like lorikeets.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

236 inches

Width

196 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny planting site with excellent drainage, preferably on a slope or a constructed soil mound.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the graft union remains well above the soil level.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic matter or standard fertilisers, tamping down gently.
Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain regular watering for the first one to two years until established.

Pro Tip

Always plant grafted specimens on mounded soil to ensure sharp drainage, and never prune back hard into old, leafless wood where the tree cannot shoot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant grafted specimens to ensure predictable flower colour and root-rot resistance.
Use a specialized low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in spring.
Ensure the soil has sharp drainage to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not apply standard high-phosphorus fertilisers, which cause nutrient toxicity.
Do not prune heavily into old, brown, leafless wood.
Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained, wet areas.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeStreet TreeCoastal GardenBird-Attracting Garden

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum questions

What zones can Red-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum grow in?

Red-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Red-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum bloom?

Red-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum need full sun?

Red-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Red-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Red-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.