4 named cultivars

tree

Red Flowering Gum

$32.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia ficifolia, the red flowering gum, is an evergreen Australian tree reaching fifteen to fifty feet in height, characterized by a dense, rounded canopy and rough, fibrous bark. The thick, dark green adult leaves provide a heavy backdrop for the massive terminal clusters of bright red, orange, or pink flowers that cover the outer canopy during summer.

While wild-type trees display variable flower colors from seed, named selections are grafted onto robust rootstocks to guarantee predictable, intense coloration and improved soil adaptability. The showy, nectar-rich blooms lack true petals, relying instead on dense, colorful stamens that draw hummingbirds throughout the blooming season.

Uses & Benefits:

Massive, vibrant terminal flower clusters held above the canopy provide a dramatic summer display.

Highly tolerant of coastal salt spray, wind, and urban air pollution once established.

Provides a rich nectar source for bees and attracts hummingbirds to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

590"

Width

393"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Rocky Knoll Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$32.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy loam, gravelly loam, or exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the graft union remains above the final soil level.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a strict watering schedule that allows the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer formulated for native plants once annually after flowering.

Pro Tip

Always plant grafted specimens with the graft union positioned clearly above the soil line, and avoid planting in heavy clay soils where poor drainage triggers fatal Phytophthora root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Protect young trees from hard frosts below 28°F (-2°C).
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain shape.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood as it will fail to shoot back.
Do not use standard high-phosphorus fertilizers.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, waterlogged clay.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeStreet TreeCoastal GardenShade Tree

Companion Plants

Callistemon citrinus Lagerstroemia indica Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Flowering Gum questions

What zones can Red Flowering Gum grow in?

Red 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 bloom?

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

Does Red Flowering Gum need full sun?

Red Flowering Gum does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Red Flowering Gum drought tolerant?

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