Species

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

3 other cultivars

tree

Flowering Gum, Fairy Floss Flowering Gum

Corymbia ficifolia 'Fairy Floss'

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia ficifolia, native to the sub-coastal forests of south-western Western Australia, is a small to medium evergreen tree known for its dense, rounded canopy of glossy dark green leaves. The species produces terminal clusters of showy flowers where the primary display comes from numerous brightly coloured stamens rather than petals.

'Fairy Floss' is a compact, grafted cultivar selected for its soft, pale pink flowers that stand clear of the foliage in dense terminal umbellasters during summer. The tree maintains a smaller, more predictable garden scale than the parent species, with new foliage emerging in bronze and reddish tones before maturing to deep green.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a dense, rounded canopy of glossy dark green foliage topped with soft pink summer flowers.

Functions as a compact, low-maintenance shade or screen tree suitable for confined urban spaces.

Provides abundant nectar for honeyeaters, lorikeets, native bees, and other insect pollinators.

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, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western Australia (parent species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with exceptionally well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil.
If planting in heavy clay, construct a raised mound or incorporate coarse drainage aggregate to prevent waterlogging.
Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system, then reduce watering as drought tolerance develops.
Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus native Australian fertiliser annually in spring.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after summer flowering to remove spent heads and heavy seed capsules, taking care never to cut back into old, leafless brown wood which lacks epicormic buds for regeneration.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Check the base of the trunk for a visible graft union before planting.
Prune immediately after flowering to prevent heavy seed pods from weighing down branches.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to protect the root system from rot.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood as the tree will fail to reshoot.
Do not use standard high-phosphorus fertilisers; stick to native-formulated options.
Do not plant in low-lying, waterlogged areas or heavy clay without mounding.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Feature tree in small suburban gardensUrban street planting or nature strip specimenNectar source in native wildlife gardens

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa Grevillea 'Superb'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Flowering Gum, Fairy Floss Flowering Gum questions

What zones can Flowering Gum, Fairy Floss Flowering Gum grow in?

Flowering Gum, Fairy Floss 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 Flowering Gum, Fairy Floss Flowering Gum bloom?

Flowering Gum, Fairy Floss 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 Flowering Gum, Fairy Floss Flowering Gum need full sun?

Flowering Gum, Fairy Floss Flowering Gum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Flowering Gum, Fairy Floss Flowering Gum drought tolerant?

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