A grafted tropical bloodwood with large glossy leaves and enormous pendulous trusses of soft pink flowers in summer. A spectacular feature tree for warm gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 8 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Summer Beauty
Corymbia ptychocarpa 'Summer Beauty' is a fast-growing tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to the Northern Territory and Western Australia. It reaches around 8 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Summer Beauty
Summer Beauty suits tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate 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.
Soil & planting
Summer Beauty does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Summer Beauty is regular, moderate watering. 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 Summer Beauty after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Summer Beauty in the garden
Summer Beauty earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and a shade tree.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Summer Beauty with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Summer Beauty
Plant Sale lists Summer Beauty as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.