R for Red Flowering Gum

While this species is called Corymbia ficifolia, some refer to it as Eucalyptus ficifolia. I prefer the former. This beautiful gum tree has some of the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen, and I quite like the seed pods, too. When the foliage is full, they present a stunning display that’s hard to find anywhere else. That’s why I like the broom or canopy style for this bonsai.

You can easily let the upper growth spread out as you wish in an informal or formal style. It’s easy to care for, as long as you give it tons of water in the summer. The flowers take a few years to develop, but you’ll enjoy the show when they do, taking over most of the foliage.

I don’t know how I haven’t created a bonsai care guide for the Red Flowering Gum yet, or even a video. I’ve been wanting to propagate one of these for ages, and I finally succeeded two years ago. The seed germinated sooner than expected, and I still have it healthy and strong with my outside bonsais. It doesn’t look like a bonsai yet, but it’s getting there.