IN THIS ARTICLE
Overview
Small, vibrant, and full of personality, dwarf flowering gums have become one of the most coveted plants in modern Australian landscaping. People love them for their stunning, brilliant flowers, compact size, and the way they instantly brighten any garden or urban space.
These dwarf flowering gums are grafted trees of Corymbia ficifolia – an iconic species famous for its fiery blossoms in the Australian floral landscape. Their unique appeal lies not only in their brilliant display but also in their practicality – they bring the rugged beauty of the Australian bush into smaller gardens without overwhelming the space.
If you are also interested in other smaller eucalypt varieties, check out our articles on miniature and small eucalyptus trees.
The iconic red flowering gum
Corymbia ficifolia, formerly Eucalyptus ficifolia, is the iconic red flowering gum native to the subcoastal region of southwest Western Australia. In its natural state, this eucalypt can grow into a grand tree with an impressive 10 – 15 meters.
Corymbia ficifolia is prized for its spectacular, flame-like flowers, which comprise a dazzling array of vibrant blossoms from deep red to orange. As one of the eucalypts, it boasts a unique combination of fibrous bark and thick, leathery leaves.
Corymbia ficifolia originates from the Mediterranean climate zone with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. However, it also thrives in cool or warm temperate and mild subtropical climates. This plant prefers low to moderate humidity.
Red Flowering Gum thrives in infertile, well-drained soils and adapts to a wide range of soil pH from slightly acidic to alkaline. It is drought-hardy, but has low tolerance to frost, especially when the plant is young.
Defining dwarf flowering gums
Dwarf flowering gums are not naturally miniature versions of Corymbia ficifolia. They are grafted trees produced by grafting scions of diverse Corymbia ficifolia onto dwarfing rootstocks.
The grafted flowering gums are “dwarfed” because the selected rootstock limits their growth potential. As a result, the trees are smaller and more compact than the standard flowering gums grown from seeds.
In addition to size, grafting alters other plant attributes, such as flower form and colour, foliage shape and size, hardiness, and adaptability to higher humidity and different soils.
In short, through grafting, dwarf flowering gums become smaller in stature, produce specific plant forms, and show enhanced growth potential. Grafting is a reliable way to create consistent dwarf flowering gums with desirable traits.
Characteristics of dwarf flowering gums
Dwarf flowering gums possess characteristics that make them uniquely attractive and practical for various garden settings.
Dwarf flowering gums often grow to 2.5 – 6 m and are compact and upright. They develop a single, well-defined trunk that supports a dense canopy of broad, egg- or spear-shaped leaves. Most have an average growth rate of 50 – 60 cm a year.
The rich green foliage contrasts beautifully with the brilliant, fiery blooms for which these trees are renowned. The bark is rugged, fibrous, and non-shedding, contributing to the tree’s overall character and ornamental appeal.
When in flower, these trees burst into clusters of spectacular blossoms ranging from deep, passionate red to vibrant orange and even hints of yellow, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Dwarf flowering gums are remarkably adaptable. Although they thrive in well-drained soils and a climate that mirrors their native habitat in Western Australia, some also flourish in more humid climates. They are resistant to drought and moderate frost.
Popular dwarf flowering gums
There are several popular varieties of dwarf flowering gums, each with unique attributes that cater to different aesthetic preferences and landscape needs.
- Summer beauty: 5 – 6 m, large pink flowers with yellow interior, large glossy dark green leaves with reddish new growth, open branching habit, tolerant of some humidity.
- Summer red: 5 – 6 m, large red flowers, dark green foliage with a weeping habit, tolerant of humidity.
- Wildfire: 6 m, vibrant fiery red flowers, large glossy dark green leaves with reddish new growth, dense rounded canopy.
- Fairy floss: 6 m, soft, pastel-pink flowers, egg-shaped dark green leaves with reddish-brown new growth, dense canopy.
- Baby orange: 3 m, bright orange flowers, large glossy dark green leaves with reddish-brown new growth, slow growing.
- Mini Red: 2.5 m, rounded shrub with eye-level bright red flowers, weeping deep green foliage, dense canopy.
- Burgundy: 6 m, stunning dark red flowers, spear-shaped mid-green leaves with reddish new growth, dense rounded canopy.
- Wild sunset: 6 m, vibrant orange-red flowers, deep green and leathery foliage, very dense, rounded canopy.
- Snowflake: 6 m, prolific white flowers, dark green foliage, dense, rounded and broad canopy, tolerant of humidity.
- Summer snow: 6 m, stunning creamy white flowers with long stamens, large glossy dark green leaves, tolerant of humidity.
- Calypso: 6 m, beautiful salmon pink flowers, glossy dark green leathery foliage, rounded dense canopy.
- Baby scarlet: 4 m, large scarlet red flowers, glossy dark green leaves with reddish new growth, rounded canopy.
- Orange splendour: 6 m, large orange flowers, dark green leaves, dense rounded canopy.
- Summer glory: 5 m, soft pink flowers with yellow interior, dark green or bluish-green leaves, tolerant of humidity.
- Lollypops: 5 m, bright pink flowers, thick and dark green foliage
The versatility of dwarf flowering gums makes them a favourite for various landscape uses.
Their compact size and stunning floral display make them ideal as standalone specimen trees in residential gardens and public parks. They can also be used to create attractive, low-maintenance hedges or natural screens that add privacy without overwhelming the space.
In urban environments, these trees work well in container plantings on patios and balconies, providing a splash of colour even in small spaces. They are frequently used in streetscapes and parking lots to enhance curb appeal and create a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere.
Their drought hardiness and minimal water requirements make them an excellent choice for eco-friendly, sustainable landscapes.
Final thoughts
Dwarf flowering gums represent a remarkable fusion of horticultural innovation and natural beauty. By harnessing the stunning traits of Corymbia ficifolia and employing advanced grafting techniques, these trees deliver all the visual impact of their larger relatives in a compact, manageable form.
They embody the fiery spirit of the Australian landscape, with brilliant blossoms, glossy foliage, and an adaptable, low-maintenance nature. In a world where sustainable, waterwise gardening is increasingly important, these trees offer both beauty and practicality, making them a great example of horticultural innovation and natural splendour.
FAQs
How tall does a dwarf flowering gum grow?
Depending on the variety, dwarf flowering gums like ‘Mini red’ and ‘Baby orange’ do not grow over 3 m. Most dwarf flowering gums reach only 4 – 6 m. Occasionally, some can reach 7 m.
Do flowering gums have invasive roots?
Large eucalyptus trees have vigorous growth and can thus develop roots that damage structures or pipelines. However, the root systems of compact gum trees, like the flowering gum, are not known to be destructive.
Dwarf flowering gums are created using the selected rootstocks that dramatically slow down root expansion and tree growth. Their root system will be even less vigorous than the native flowering gum.
How fast do flowering gums grow?
Most dwarf flowering gums have a moderate growth rate of 50 – 60 cm a year. However, varieties like ‘Baby orange’ can be slow-growing.
Can you prune a dwarf flowering gum?
Pruning helps dwarf flowering gums to maintain their shapes, especially at the early stage of their development. Dead and cross branches should be removed to increase air circulation and avoid pest infestation. Pruning is best done before spring when new growth emerges.
Can you propagate a flowering gum?
Native red flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia) can be propagated using seeds. However, dwarf flowering gums are grafted cultivars and do not carry the compact traits in their seeds. Their seeds won’t reliably reproduce the same attributes seen in parental plants.
