- Mature height
- 20m to 30m
- Mature width
- 15m to 25m
Angophora costata, the Sydney Red Gum, is one of Australia's most iconic native trees, instantly recognised by its smooth mottled bark that sheds in irregular patches to reveal striking tones of salmon-pink, orange, and copper-red.
Sydney Red Gum grows to 15-25 metres tall and 10-15 metres wide with a dense spreading crown of broad lance-shaped leaves that provides generous shade. The dramatic size suits parks, rural properties, and large gardens. Large clusters of white flowers appear from late spring into summer, supporting bees, lorikeets and honeyeaters.
Sydney Red Gum is hardy and drought tolerant once established, thriving in coastal areas, poor and sandy soils, and full sun across NSW and QLD. It tolerates light frost and works well as a habitat tree or a stand-alone specimen in large-scale landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Angophora costata Sydney Red Gum
How tall does Sydney Red Gum grow?
Sydney Red Gum grows to 15-25 metres tall and 10-15 metres wide with a broad spreading canopy.
How fast does Sydney Red Gum grow?
Angophora costata is moderately fast-growing, adding 60cm to 1 metre per year once established.
Why is it called Sydney Red Gum?
The smooth bark sheds in summer to reveal striking salmon-pink, orange and copper-red new bark beneath, which gives the tree its common name. The bark colour intensifies in the months after shedding.
Is Sydney Red Gum an Australian native?
Yes. Angophora costata is native to the east coast of Australia, ranging from QLD through NSW. It is a defining tree of the Sydney sandstone landscape.
When does Sydney Red Gum flower?
Sydney Red Gum produces large clusters of cream-white flowers in late spring through summer, typically November to January, that attract bees, lorikeets and honeyeaters.
Is Sydney Red Gum suitable for residential gardens?
Sydney Red Gum is best suited to large gardens, acreage, and parks due to its mature size. For smaller properties, consider Corymbia ficifolia 'Wildfire' instead.
Where does Sydney Red Gum grow best?
Sydney Red Gum thrives across NSW and QLD coastal regions and is drought tolerant once established. It performs best in well-drained sandstone or sandy soils and tolerates light frost.