Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

3 other cultivars

tree

Flowering Gum

Corymbia x hybrida 'Summer Glory'

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia is a genus of evergreen trees native to Australia, characterized by their woody seed capsules and dense, nectar-rich flower clusters. Formerly classified under Eucalyptus, these species are highly valued in warm climates for their robust growth and ability to thrive in low-nutrient, sandy soils.

'Summer Glory' is a compact, upright-spreading hybrid cultivar that produces vibrant, deep pink to rose-red flowers held in large terminal clusters outside the canopy. This selection features glossy, dark green foliage with bronze-toned new growth and attractive peeling bark on a rounded, medium-sized frame.

Uses & Benefits:

Vibrant pink-red flower clusters held above glossy, dark green foliage, complemented by peeling bark.

Offers a compact, low-maintenance canopy suitable for smaller urban gardens and coastal windbreaks.

Provides abundant nectar for bees, hummingbirds, and other local pollinators during the summer.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

315"

Width

197"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia (Horticultural Origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly permeable, sandy or gravelly loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the graft union remains well above the soil line.
Water deeply and regularly during the first two years to establish the root system, then transition to occasional, deep watering.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer formulated specifically for native plants in early spring.

Pro Tip

Prune only light, leafy growth immediately after flowering; cutting back hard into old, leafless wood prevents new shoots from developing.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location with excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Protect young specimens from frost during their first few winters.
Use exclusively low-phosphorus fertilizers to avoid nutrient toxicity.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils where water pools.
Do not prune deeply into old, bare wood.
Do not overwater once the tree is established.

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 treeCoastal gardensStreet treeShade tree

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa Grevillea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Flowering Gum questions

What zones can Flowering Gum grow in?

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 Flowering Gum deer resistant?

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

When does Flowering Gum bloom?

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

Does Flowering Gum need full sun?

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

Is Flowering Gum drought tolerant?

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