Red-Flowering Gum

Did you know

• When a red-flowering gum blooms, the entire crown looks like it's on fire—huge fluffy clusters of crimson stamens cover every branch end for weeks.
• Despite being one of the world's most beloved street trees in Mediterranean climates, the species is critically endangered in its tiny native range south of Perth.
• Each 'flower' is actually hundreds of stamens packed together—the tree has no true petals at all, just a cap that pops off as the stamens explode outward.
• The seed capsules are giant urn-shaped pods over an inch wide, prized by Australian florists for dried arrangements and used as natural pomanders.
• Like all eucalypts, the leaves contain pungent oils that crackle audibly in summer heat—cutting a single branch can perfume an entire room with menthol-citrus aroma.

Color meanings

Uses

• Street trees
• Specimen tree
• Cut flowers
• Bird gardens