Red flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia)
Also known as: Scarlet-flowering gum
The Red Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia) is an evergreen tree reaching heights of 8 to 12 meters. It's celebrated for its lush foliage and striking red flower clusters, which are most abundant in summer but can appear sporadically year-round. After blooming, the tree produces woody seed pods. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is tolerant of both drought and coastal conditions.
In This Article
Attributes of Red flowering gum
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
2 m to 10 m
Spread
8 m to 12 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
6 mm to 8 mm
Flower Color
Red Orange White Pink
Images of Red flowering gum
Quickly Identify Red flowering gum
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Evergreen tree with dense, spreading crown reaching 25-40+ feet (7.6-12+ meters) in height.
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Rough, fibrous, and fissured bark in red-brown to grey-brown hues.
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Ovate leaves are slightly glossy, dark green above, paler beneath, and 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long.
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Flowers in clusters of seven, vibrant in color, blooming mainly in late summer.
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Large woody seed capsules follow the flowers.
Scientific Classification of Red flowering gum
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Myrtales
Family
Myrtle
Genus
Corymbia
Species
Red flowering gum
Planting and Growing of Red flowering gum
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 2 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
6-10 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic
How to Water Red flowering gum?
Corymbia ficifolia, commonly known as the red flowering gum, requires careful attention to its watering needs to thrive. Aim to provide about 500 milliliters of water per session. The key is to keep the soil consistently moist without causing waterlogging. This typically involves watering until you observe a slight drainage from the pot, indicating that the root zone has been thoroughly moistened.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Red flowering gum?
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What should I do if my Red flowering gum is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Red flowering gum?
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How to save an overwatered Red flowering gum?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Red flowering gum?
Corymbia ficifolia thrives in full sun with 6-8 hours daily exposure. Ideal light enhances flower production, boosts health, and provides vibrant foliage, maximizing the plant's beauty and strength.
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→
Is Corymbia ficifolia sun-loving or shade-loving?
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How to achieve ideal light conditions for Corymbia ficifolia?
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What are the benefits of ideal lighting for Corymbia ficifolia?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Red flowering gum?
Corymbia ficifolia thrives best in a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F. This range supports healthy growth, vibrant blooms, and overall vitality. Maintaining temperatures within this range provides an ideal environment for photosynthesis and metabolic activities.
What Soil is Best for Red flowering gum?
Corymbia ficifolia thrives in well-drained soil. Adequate drainage prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. This ensures that oxygen reaches the roots and keeps the tree healthy and robust. The tree benefits from soil rich in organic matter. Nutrient-rich soil supports vigorous growth, vibrant foliage, and enhances flower production. It's like providing a buffet of nutrients to satisfy the plant's needs. Although drainage is crucial, the soil should retain some moisture to prevent excessive dryness. Maintaining slight moisture in the soil mimics the tree’s native conditions and supports continuous, healthy growth.
How to Fertilize Red flowering gum?
For Corymbia ficifolia, it is crucial to use balanced fertilizers. When using liquid fertilizers, dilute them to half strength to avoid overwhelming the plant. A single application should suffice at the rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water.
How to Prune Red flowering gum?
Begin by inspecting the tree for any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These should be the first to be removed, as they can hinder the tree's growth and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make a clean cut just above the point of healthy growth. Once the unhealthy wood has been removed, focus on shaping the tree. Corymbia ficifolia can benefit from light shaping to maintain an attractive form. Aim to create an open structure by removing any inward-growing branches and thinning out any overcrowded areas to allow more sunlight and air circulation. To manage the size of your Corymbia ficifolia, trim back up to one-third of the new growth. Focus on maintaining the natural shape while controlling the overall height and spread. Use diagonal cuts directly above leaf nodes to encourage new growth.
More About Pruning Techniques→
How to Propagate Red flowering gum plant?
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Harvest seeds from mature Corymbia ficifolia fruits, ensuring they are completely dry to prevent mold. Collect the seeds when the capsules have turned brown and have started to open, indicating readiness.
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Cut healthy stems of about 10-15 cm in length from a non-flowering shoot. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining potting mix.
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Select a healthy rootstock and a desirable scion for grafting. Make a clean cut on both and join them together, securing firmly with grafting tape to facilitate their fusion.
How to Repot Red flowering gum plant?
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Corymbia ficifolia should be repotted when you notice rootbound conditions such as roots emerging from drainage holes or circling the pot's interior. It's best to repot during active growing seasons to reduce stress.
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Choose a pot that is slightly larger than its current one, with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. This ensures the roots have room to spread and minimizes the risk of root rot.
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Opt for a well-draining potting mix, ideally one with sand, perlite, or bark included. This replicates the natural habitat of Corymbia ficifolia and provides proper aeration, reducing the risk of overwatering.
