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 Red'

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia is a genus of evergreen trees native to Australia, characterized by leathery foliage and dense terminal flower clusters. The parent species of this hybrid include the Western Australian coastal red-flowering gum and the northern tropical bloodwood, combining to produce plants with improved adaptability.

'Summer Red' is a compact hybrid cultivar that produces massive terminal clusters of hot pink to vivid red flowers held prominently above the canopy in summer. It features large, dark green leathery leaves with a lighter reverse, complemented by decorative bronze-red new growth flushes throughout the year.

Uses & Benefits:

Features large terminal clusters of red flowers and decorative bronze-red new growth.

Offers wind tolerance and salt resistance, making it suitable for coastal plantings.

Provides nectar for bees and hummingbirds during the summer blooming season.

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

197"

Width

157"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia (hybrid origin)

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 highly drained sandy loam or loam soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but exactly the same depth to prevent settling.
Gently slide the plant out of its container and place it directly into the hole without teasing or disturbing the roots.
Backfill with native soil, water deeply to settle, and apply a low-phosphorus mulch keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Always plant grafted specimens without disturbing or teasing the root ball, as these hybrids are highly sensitive to root trauma and will fail if the roots are damaged during transplanting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first two to three years until the root system is fully established.
Use only low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizers formulated specifically for native plants.
Protect young plants from heavy frost using a temporary cover or frost cloth.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as this prevents regrowth.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly draining clay soils without creating a raised mound.
Do not disturb, tease, or cut the root ball during the planting process.

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 GardenWindbreakStreet Tree

Companion Plants

Ceanothus Arctostaphylos Salvia apiana Lomandra longifolia

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 summer 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.