Corymbia ficifolia
flowering gum
Tender evergreen tree about 6-15m depending on local conditions, with rough, dark greyish-brown bark, and ovate to broadly lance-shaped, mid to dark green leaves, paler beneath to 15cm long. From summer to autumn bears large clusters of 3-7 scarlet or flame-coloured flowers towards the ends of the branches followed by urn-shaped woody seed capsules
Synonyms
Eucalyptus ficifoliaBuy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red | Green | ||
Autumn | Red | Green | Brown | |
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
A genus of around 100 species of evergreen trees, native to Australia, with green foliage, peeling bark and masses of bright red, pink or orange flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in neutral to acid soil that doesn't dry out, in full sun with shelter from wind; in frost-prone areas, grow in a cool or temperate greenhouse, in a mix of lime-free potting compost and grit, in full light with good ventilation. Water freely in spring and summer and apply a general fertiliser monthly, water sparingly in winter. See eucalyptus cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring and summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Pruning group 1, or for the best display of juvenile foliage use Pruning group 7. May need restrictive pruning under glass. See Eucalyptus: pruning.
Pests
May be susceptible to eucalyptus gall wasp and eucalyptus sucker
Diseases
May be susceptible to silver leaf and oedema
Get involved
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