Scientific Name: CORYMBIA ficifolia (formerly EUCALYPTUS ficifolia)
Common Name: Red Flowering Gum
Alternative Common Name: Red Flowering Gum
Family: Myrtaceae
Height: Up to about 10m (33′)
Width: Up to 4m (13′)
Description: A most spectacular flowering evergreen tree. A beautiful shade tree – most attractive to birds for its good nectar flow. See also: http://asgap.org.au/c-fic.html
Flowers: Profusion of flowers in mid-Summer – mainly bright crimson red but some variations produce colours from deep crimson to orange, pink and even white – very striking against the large mid-green leaves.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained sandy loams but can adapt to lighter soil types.
Aspects: Likes full sun.
Habitat: Occurs naturally in a small area of the far south-west of Western Australia but is quite adaptable to many other areas. Known to grow well in Perth and similar areas and in parts of NSW.
Growing: Easy to grow from seed. Start by filling 10cm (4″) pots with moist sandy soil, wet thoroughly and compress. Sow one seed flat on its side in each pot and cover lightly with soil. Place pots in a warm, shaded position and keep moist during germination. Germination usually takes about 7 – 21 days.
Landscape: Open gardens.
Cultivation: Transplant seedlings directly to an open garden position at about 20cm (8″) high. Apply a light dressing of balanced fertiliser when planting out. Water the seedling in well and then once a week during the first Summer.
Seed Starter Required: Helpful.
