Species

Corymbia ficifoliaRed Flowering Gum

3 other cultivars

tree

Red-Flowering Gum

Corymbia ficifolia 'Wildfire'

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia ficifolia is a small evergreen tree native to the south-west of Western Australia, characterized by a dense, rounded canopy of thick, leathery leaves. The species produces large terminal clusters of nectar-rich flowers followed by heavy, woody, urn-shaped seed capsules.

'Wildfire' is a grafted cultivar selected for its reliable, intense crimson-red floral display and compact growth habit. Grafting onto robust Corymbia maculata rootstock ensures the tree tolerates higher humidity and resists soil-borne pathogens far better than seed-grown specimens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dramatic summer display of brilliant crimson flowers contrasted against dark, glossy evergreen foliage.

Functions as an effective windbreak and compact shade tree highly tolerant of coastal salt spray.

Attracts bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds, including hummingbirds in North America.

SpeciesCorymbia ficifoliaRed Flowering Gum

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

196"

Width

138"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent soil drainage, such as a sandy loam or free-draining slope.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the graft union sits well above the final soil level.
Water the young tree deeply twice a week during its first summer to establish a deep root system.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Always plant grafted specimens with the graft union completely clear of the soil line, and avoid any pruning into old, leafless wood which fails to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage deep root penetration.
Protect young trees from heavy frost using burlap or temporary covers.
Use a low-phosphorus, balanced fertilizer formulated specifically for native plants.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils or low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood as it lacks dormant buds to regenerate.
Do not over-fertilize, especially with high-phosphorus formulas which can damage the root system.

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 GardenWindbreak

Companion Plants

Callistemon citrinus Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea

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.

Is Red-Flowering Gum deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Red-Flowering Gum, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Red-Flowering Gum bloom?

Red-Flowering Gum typically blooms in summer through summer. 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 to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

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.