Corymbia ficifolia – Red Flowering Gum

Corymbia ficifolia, commonly known as Red Flowering Gum or Flowering Gum, is an evergreen feature tree valued for its masses of deep red summer flowers, glossy green foliage, and rounded canopy. Flowering brings strong seasonal colour and attracts birdlife, while the dense crown provides year-round structure and shade. With its coastal resilience and strong ornamental appeal, Red Flowering Gum suits feature planting, avenue use, and larger gardens where summer colour is a priority.

Red Flowering Gum in NZ

Red Flowering Gum performs well in full sun with well-drained soil and adapts to many New Zealand conditions, including wind, coastal exposure, and seasonal dry periods once established. It suits larger gardens, parks, streetscapes, and coastal planting where a hardy flowering tree is needed. Corymbia ficifolia (Red Flowering Gum) works best where its rounded canopy and seasonal flowering can be appreciated without crowding.

Corymbia ficifolia size, spacing, and growth rate

Red Flowering Gum can reach around 6 to 8m tall and 4 to 6m wide within 10 years, with a moderate growth rate and an eventual mature height of around 10m or more in suitable conditions. Allow generous spacing from buildings, paving, and services to accommodate canopy development. For avenue or specimen planting, give Corymbia ficifolia enough room to develop its natural, rounded form without heavy pruning.