Small-growing Corymbia varieties
In recent years, a number of Dwarf Flowering Gums have been released onto the market. They make excellent trees for smaller gardens and vary in flower colour.
These trees are referred to by different names, such as Corymibia ficifolia, and some are still sold under the name Eucalyptus ficifolia.
It’s important to note that these smaller varieties of flowering gums can vary significantly in size.
How tall will Dwarf Gum Trees get?
Some are marketed as dwarf varieties but can still grow to heights of 6 meters or more. Others are more consistent in height, typically reaching around 3 meters, which qualifies them as true dwarf trees.
One example is Corymibia ficifolia or Dwarf Orange, which will eventually reach a height of around 3 meters, although it may take a few years to reach that height. Despite its slow growth, it begins flowering at an early age, making it an excellent choice as a specimen tree for smaller gardens and even suitable for container gardening.
Another appealing cultivar is Little Sweetie (pictured on the right), which can grow to a height of approximately 4 meters. It attracts butterflies, bees, and birds when in flower, adding to its charm.
Other Dwarf Flowering Gums
- C.ficifolia “Lollypops” – Will reach around 5m and has dusky pink flowers.
- C.ficifolia “ Summer Beauty” – Will reach around 6m in height with red flowers.
- C.ficifolia “ Snowflake” – Wonderful white creamy flowers that will reach around 6m in height.
- C.ficifolia “ Wild Sunset” – Over time, this cultivar will form a nice compact rounded head with masses of orange to red flowers on the tree that will reach around 6m in height.
- C.ficifolia ‘Mini Orange’ – Will reach around 2.5m and produce a dense canopy of deep orange flowers.
What defines a good dwarf tree is the spacing between the leaves along each stem, known as internode length. Shorter internodes result in a more compact and bushy growth pattern.
Care of Dwarf Flowering Gums
Many of these plants are grafted, so it’s essential to watch for shoots emerging below the graft and remove them using sharp secateurs.
These trees thrive in full sun or with a bit of shade for short periods during the day. However, deeper shade can limit their flowering. Good drainage is crucial, but this doesn’t mean they should be planted in poor, dry soils.
For best performance, the following conditions should be aimed for:
- Full sun.
- Well-drained soil; avoid heavy clay and waterlogged soils.
- Humus-rich soil that will retain some moisture.
- Plants should be staked when young. This prevents wind damage and allows roots to be established.
- Give extra water to young plants during their first summer or two.
- Once established, dwarf flowering gums are considered drought tolerant.
Pruning Dwarf Flowering Gums
Typically, little to no pruning is required. When planted near pathways or used as street trees, lower branches may be trimmed to ensure access.
Propagation
Propagation is by grafting. Selected forms are grafted onto hardier rootstock such as Corymbia intermedia.
Where to Buy Dwarf Flowering Gums
Melbourne and Geelong based garden centres. Check out their large range of indoor and outdoor plants, Australian Natives, Fruit Trees and Edibles, Succulents, Gardenias, Camellias, Hydrangeas plus a full range garden products.
“Find your nearest Diaco’s Garden Centre”
Store Locations
Diaco's Garden Nursery Heatherton
190 Old Dandenong Road Heatherton VIC 3202
Phone: +61 3 9551 0776
Diaco's Garden Nursery Heatherton
Diaco's Garden Nursery Mornington
360 Wooralla Drive Mornington, VIC 3931
Phone: +61 3 5248 0689
Diaco's Garden Nursery Mornington
Diaco's Garden Nursery Geelong
140 Bellarine HighwayNewcomb, VIC 3219
Phone: +61 3 5248 0689
Diaco's Garden Nursery Geelong
Diaco's Garden Nursery Keilor
Unit 25/16A Keilor Park Drive, Keilor East VIC 3033
Phone: +61 3 9331 6622
Diaco's Garden Nursery Keilor
451 Lytton Rd, Morningside QLD 4170
Located just 5km East of Brisbane CBD. Selling in volume direct to the public. Focus on top quality both in our plant & pot ranges.
www.rossevansgardencentre.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
2274 Moggill Rd, Kenmore QLD 4069
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www.rossevansgardencentre.com.au
Phone: 0411 435 314
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