Corymbia ficifolia x ptychocarpa 'Summer Red'

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Summer Red Flowering Gum, Flowering Gum 'Summer Red'

Corymbia ficifolia x ptychocarpa 'Summer Red'

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia is a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs native to Australia, formerly classified under Eucalyptus and characterised by terminal, flat-topped flower clusters. These plants are highly valued for their nectar-rich blooms and woody, urn-shaped seed capsules known as gumnuts.

'Summer Red' is a compact hybrid cultivar derived from Corymbia ficifolia and Corymbia ptychocarpa, growing to a height of three to six metres. It is distinguished by its vibrant, rich red summer flowers and large, glossy dark green leaves with reddish-bronze new growth.

Uses & Benefits:

Features vibrant red summer blooms, bronze new growth, and decorative woody gumnuts.

Offers a compact shade tree option well-suited to space-constrained urban gardens.

Provides a rich source of nectar for native bees, honeyeaters, and lorikeets.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

236 inches

Width

157 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

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 or loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant the specimen, ensuring the graft union remains well above the soil level.
Water deeply and regularly during the first summer to establish the root system.
Apply a low-phosphorus slow-release fertiliser in spring if growth appears sluggish.

Pro Tip

Never prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as corymbias lack the capacity to reliably shoot back from bare timber.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly free-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Protect young plants from heavy winter frosts.
Clear dropped woody gumnuts from pathways to prevent slipping hazards.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood.
Do not use standard high-phosphorus fertilisers.
Do not overwater or plant in low-lying, waterlogged areas.

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 tree for small suburban gardensCoastal windbreak or screening plantFocal point in native or tropical-style gardens

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Summer Red Flowering Gum, Flowering Gum 'Summer Red' questions

What zones can Summer Red Flowering Gum, Flowering Gum 'Summer Red' grow in?

Summer Red Flowering Gum, Flowering Gum 'Summer Red' 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 Summer Red Flowering Gum, Flowering Gum 'Summer Red' bloom?

Summer Red Flowering Gum, Flowering Gum 'Summer Red' 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 Summer Red Flowering Gum, Flowering Gum 'Summer Red' need full sun?

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

Is Summer Red Flowering Gum, Flowering Gum 'Summer Red' drought tolerant?

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