Corymbia Ficifolia

Red-Flowering Gum / Scarlet-Flowering Gum

Botanical Name: Corymbia ficifolia
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Australia (south-west WA)
Plant Type: Evergreen small tree

Overview

Red Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia) is a show-stopping summer bloomer for South Australian gardens. It forms a neat, rounded canopy of glossy green foliage and, in summer, explodes with large, fluffy flower clusters that light up the landscape and feed birds and pollinators. Perfect for sunny, well-drained coastal and Mediterranean sites; choose grafted selections for best performance.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 4-8 m H x 3-5 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen, dark green to blue-green leaves; aromatic when crushed; rounded canopy
• Flowers: Spectacular summer umbels; nectar-rich and long-lasting
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round evergreen structure with peak summer colour; decorative gum nuts after flowering
• Wildlife Value: High nectar; attracts birds, bees and other pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant
  coastal-tolerant (best 2nd line); light frost (protect young trees)
• Planting Density: Feature/screen trees at 3–4 m centres; 4–5 m for avenues
• Pet Friendly: No — toxic to pets if leaves are chewed/ingested

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best flowering and canopy shape)
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; avoid heavy/waterlogged clay (use mounds/raised beds if needed)
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; light formative prune when young; remove spent stems/deadwood after flowering; avoid hard pruning into old wood
• Lifespan: 40-80+ years in gardens
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid to Neutral (avoid highly alkaline/limey soils)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Statement feature tree for lawns, courtyards and front gardens
• Avenue or pair-planting for dramatic summer colour along drives and paths
• Large container when young; transplant to ground for long-term impact

Why You Will Love It

A guaranteed crowd-pleaser: huge summer flowers, a compact garden-friendly size, tough once established, and a magnet for birds and bees. Corymbia ficifolia delivers instant curb appeal and lasting value with minimal fuss.