Corymbia ficifolia

Common Name:
Red Flowering Gum

Description:
Corymbia ficifolia, commonly known as the Red Flowering Gum, is one of Australia's most admired ornamental trees, renowned for its spectacular display of vibrant flowers and compact growth habit. Native to a small area in southwestern Western Australia, it has become a favourite in Melbourne and other temperate regions due to its stunning floral show and adaptability. Blooming from mid-summer into early autumn, the tree produces masses of fluffy, nectar-rich flowers in shades ranging from deep red to orange and pink, depending on the individual tree or cultivar. Its broad, glossy green leaves provide year-round structure, while its rough, mottled bark adds to its ornamental appeal. Best grown in full sun with well-drained soil, Corymbia ficifolia is drought tolerant once established and responds well to pruning. It is ideal as a feature tree in small to medium-sized gardens, streetscapes, and native plantings. The flowers are highly attractive to birds, bees, and butterflies, making it a valuable habitat plant as well.

Form:

• Tree - Small

• Tree - Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 4 to 10 metres

• Width: 3 to 6 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Summer

• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:

• Red

• Orange

• Pink (varies between trees and grafted cultivars)

Key Attributes:

• Australian native

• Bird Attracting

• Bee Attracting

• Suitable for Feature Planting

• Suitable for Pots (dwarf forms)

• Drought Tolerant

• Low Maintenance

• Evergreen

• Frost Tolerant (once established)

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans or animals.

Companion Plants:

• Lomandra longifolia

• Dianella tasmanica

• Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’

• Callistemon ‘Kings Park Special’

• Westringia fruticosa