Species

Corymbia ficifoliaRed Flowering Gum

3 other cultivars

tree

Dwarf Orange Flowering Gum

Corymbia ficifolia 'Dwarf Orange'

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia ficifolia, native to southwestern Australia, is a broadleaf evergreen tree known for its dense, rounded canopy of glossy, dark green foliage. In summer, the canopy is topped by large, terminal clusters of showy flowers that give way to heavy, woody, urn-shaped seed capsules.

'Dwarf Orange' is a compact, grafted cultivar that limits its mature height and width to approximately ten feet. It produces dense terminal clusters of vivid orange to orange-red flowers held prominently above the foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, compact canopy of glossy green foliage topped by vibrant orange summer blooms.

Offers high drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements once established in coastal or Mediterranean climates.

Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other nectar-seeking pollinators to the garden.

SpeciesCorymbia ficifoliaRed Flowering Gum

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

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 draining sandy or gravelly soil.
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 to settle the soil, then establish a strict drying cycle between waterings.
Apply a thick layer of coarse mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Always plant in highly draining sandy soil and avoid heavy summer irrigation, as excess moisture in warm soils triggers fatal Phytophthora root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use only low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated specifically for Australian native plants.
Provide excellent air circulation to minimize the risk of powdery mildew.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as regrowth from bare branches is extremely slow and patchy.
Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils where water pools after rain.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeCoastal GardenCourtyard Focal PointDrought-Tolerant Screen

Companion Plants

Callistemon citrinus Anigozanthos flavidus Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dwarf Orange Flowering Gum questions

What zones can Dwarf Orange Flowering Gum grow in?

Dwarf 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.

Is Dwarf Orange Flowering Gum deer resistant?

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

When does Dwarf Orange Flowering Gum bloom?

Dwarf Orange 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 Dwarf Orange Flowering Gum need full sun?

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

Is Dwarf Orange Flowering Gum drought tolerant?

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