Species

Corymbia ficifoliaRed-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum

3 other cultivars

tree

Red-flowering Gum, Flowering Gum

Corymbia ficifolia 'Wildfire'

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia ficifolia, native to a highly restricted coastal strip of Western Australia, develops into a small, spreading evergreen tree with a dense canopy of thick, dark green leaves. The species is celebrated for its terminal corymbs of petalless flowers that showcase dense, vibrant stamens followed by large, woody, urn-shaped capsules.

'Wildfire' is a compact, horticulturally selected cultivar grafted onto hardy rootstock to guarantee consistent, brilliant red flowering and improved tolerance to humid climates. New foliage emerges with a distinct reddish-brown tinge during the warmer months, contrasting against the mature dark green leaves.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, dark green canopy with reddish new growth and brilliant red summer flowers.

Functions as an effective windbreak or compact shade tree well-suited to coastal and warm-temperate climates.

Attracts and feeds nectar-eating native birds, bees, and other beneficial insects.

SpeciesCorymbia ficifoliaRed-flowering gum, Red flowering gum, Flowering gum

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

236 inches

Width

157 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with high-drainage soil, such as sandy loam or well-drained clay loam.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but to the same depth, ensuring the graft union remains well above the soil level.
Water the young tree regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system, transitioning to minimal irrigation once established.
Apply a balanced, low-phosphorus native slow-release fertiliser sparingly in spring to support new growth.

Pro Tip

On young trees, prune off heavy clusters of developing woody seed pods to prevent the physical weight from snapping branches before they mature and strengthen.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure optimal soil drainage to prevent root rot pathogens.
Protect young, newly planted trees from frost until they are fully established.
Clear fallen woody gumnuts from pathways to eliminate tripping hazards.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless brown wood, as it fails to shoot back.
Do not overwater or allow soil to become waterlogged.
Do not apply heavy doses of high-phosphorus fertilisers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Feature treeCoastal garden specimenUrban street treeBird-attracting screen

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red-flowering Gum, Flowering Gum questions

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

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, Flowering Gum bloom?

Red-flowering Gum, 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, Flowering Gum need full sun?

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

Is Red-flowering Gum, Flowering Gum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), 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.