Species

Corymbia ficifoliaRed Flowering Gum

3 other cultivars

tree

Baby Orange Flowering Gum

Corymbia ficifolia 'Baby Orange'

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia ficifolia, the red-flowering gum, is an evergreen Australian tree native to a restricted coastal strip of Western Australia. The species is characterized by its heavy, woody seed capsules and terminal clusters of flowers where the display comes from dense, colorful stamens rather than petals.

'Baby Orange' is a compact, dwarf cultivar that reaches only ten to thirteen feet in height with a dense, rounded canopy. It produces vibrant orange flower clusters throughout summer and fall, and must be propagated via grafting to guarantee its small stature and flower color.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces dense, rounded canopy with glossy foliage and vibrant orange summer flowers.

Highly salt-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for coastal windbreaks and maritime exposure.

Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insect pollinators with nectar-rich blooms.

SpeciesCorymbia ficifoliaRed Flowering Gum

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

140"

Width

100"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, gravelly, or highly permeable loam soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the graft union remains well above the soil line.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic matter or high-phosphorus fertilizers.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a strict watering schedule that allows the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Pro Tip

Thin out heavy crops of developing woody gumnuts on young branches to prevent limb breakage, and never prune back into old, leafless wood which lacks the epicormic buds needed to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do plant in a position with exceptional drainage and full sun exposure.
Do use low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated specifically for native plants.
Do protect young plants from frost during their first few winters.

Don't

Don't plant in heavy clay or low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Don't prune heavily into old, bare wood as it lacks epicormic buds to regenerate.
Don't overwater once established, as the root system is highly susceptible to rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeCoastal gardensCourtyard gardensWindbreaks

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Grevillea Anigozanthos flavidus Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Baby Orange Flowering Gum questions

What zones can Baby Orange Flowering Gum grow in?

Baby Orange 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 Baby Orange Flowering Gum bloom?

Baby Orange 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 Baby Orange Flowering Gum need full sun?

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

Is Baby Orange Flowering Gum drought tolerant?

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