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Corymbia ficifolia 'Baby Scarlet'

About Your New Corymbia ficifolia 'Baby Scarlet'

Corymbia ficifolia 'Baby Scarlet' is a grafted dwarf form of the Red Flowering Gum, an evergreen native with a tight rounded head. Large scarlet flower clusters sit on the outside of the canopy over summer, held against broad dark green leaves. Grafting keeps both the flower colour and the mature size consistent.

Plant it in full sun with soil that drains freely. Growth runs at about 30 to 50 centimetres a year. It is drought hardy once settled and takes salt wind, so it does well in coastal and warm temperate gardens. Frost is the limit, so give it a protected spot in cold districts.

The size suits narrow verges, small front gardens and courtyard plantings where a seedling Red Flowering Gum would be far too much tree. Councils use it along local streets and in park beds for summer colour and bird activity. It delivers a native flowering feature in a very small footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Corymbia ficifolia 'Baby Scarlet'

What is Corymbia ficifolia 'Baby Scarlet'?

It is a dwarf grafted form of the Red Flowering Gum, an evergreen Australian native with a compact rounded canopy. Large scarlet flower heads sit on the outside of the crown over summer against broad dark green leaves. Grafting onto hardy rootstock keeps both the flower colour and the mature size predictable.

When does it flower?

Summer, roughly December through February, with the display running for several weeks. Flowers are held in big scarlet clusters at the ends of the branches where birds can reach them easily, followed by woody gumnuts. Flowering is heaviest on trees in full sun that have not been pushed along with high nitrogen fertiliser.

How big does it grow?

Around 3 metres tall with a spread of 2 to 3 metres, which is a fraction of the size of a seedling Red Flowering Gum. The canopy stays rounded and reasonably tight without shaping. In a large pot, or on poor shallow soil, it will sit at the smaller end of that range.

Is it frost tolerant?

No. This one is frost sensitive and cold snaps damage new growth and flower buds. Plant it in a frost free or protected position, against a north facing wall or under high canopy in cold districts. In frost prone areas it is better grown in a large pot that can be moved through winter.

Is it suitable for coastal positions?

Yes. Red Flowering Gums come from south west Western Australia and take salt laden wind well once established. Plant it behind the first line of dune vegetation rather than in direct salt spray, and give it free draining soil. Humidity on the east coast can bring leaf spot, so allow air movement around the canopy.

Can it grow in pots?

Yes, in a pot at least 60 centimetres across with a free draining mix. Potted trees stay smaller and need watering through summer plus a slow release native fertiliser each spring. Repot or root prune every few years. A pot also lets you shift it out of frost, which suits cooler gardens.

How do I care for Corymbia ficifolia 'Baby Scarlet'?

Keep water up through the first two summers, after which it manages on rainfall in most seasons. Use a low phosphorus native fertiliser in spring. Prune straight after flowering if you want to tidy the shape, cutting back to a leaf node rather than into bare wood. Never cut below the graft union.

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Uses in my Garden

  • Feature Tree
  • Street Tree
  • Avenue Planting
  • Council or Civic Landscapes
  • Rural Property Planting

Corymbia ficifolia 'Baby Scarlet' works in an:

  • Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
  • Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
  • Wildlife Garden – planting to attract birds, bees, and pollinators.
  • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
  • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

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