One of the most spectacular flowering trees in the world, smothered in summer with huge corymbs of scarlet, orange or pink blossom alive with birds and bees. A rounded shade tree for warm gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 9 m H × 7 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Red Flowering Gum
Botanically, Corymbia ficifolia is a moderate-growing tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 9 m tall and 7 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red, orange and pink flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Red Flowering Gum
Red Flowering Gum suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Red Flowering Gum does best in sandy, free-draining and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Red Flowering Gum is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Red Flowering Gum after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Red Flowering Gum in the garden
Red Flowering Gum earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a shade tree, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Red Flowering Gum with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and Mediterranean climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Red Flowering Gum
Plant Sale lists Red Flowering Gum as tube stock, potted plants, advanced specimens and seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Red Flowering Gum seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.