Flowering gum trees are displaying their brilliantly coloured flowers at this time. In past years it was difficult to grow gum trees with these bright flowers as many of them originated from Western Australia and, subsequently, would not grow in the humid conditions of the eastern seaboard. 

But over recent years these varieties have become available in grafted form, whereby wood from the desired plant has been grafted onto a species that is tolerant of humidity.

 Varieties differ in height at maturity, with colours ranging from pinks and reds through to salmon and shades of orange. 

It is best to buy a grafted gum tree when it is in flower, to ensure the correct flower colour is obtained. The colour will be consistent because the wood has been grafted, unlike seedling-raised specimens which can vary in colour.

Corymbia ficifolia, formerly known as Eucalyptus ficifolia, produces ­richly coloured flowers. The producers of Dwarf Orange and Dwarf Crimson indicate the plants will grow three metres high by three metres wide, making them suitable for the average garden. 

Summer Red produces large heads of hot-pink flowers in summer while Summer Beauty has more delicate soft pink flowers. These varieties are also compact forms suitable for pot culture if a large pot has been selected. 

Lollypops is a slightly larger version that produces masses of pink flowers from its first year of growth. Because it is slow growing it will take a number of years to reach its full potential. 

Other corymbia varieties that may be available include Little Sweetie, featuring mauve-pink flowers with gold-tipped stamens, and Wild Fires with intense red flowers.

Growing on average 3m to 4m tall, flowering gums make magnificent feature plants and provide reliable solutions for screening.  A premium  potting mix that has been specifically bred for native plants would be ideal.

Eremophila, commonly known as emu bush, produce somewhat unusual flowers that often have spotted petals and are in bright colours. 

They prefer well-drained positions. 

Some varieties are available as grafted specimens. These varieties, as with some varieties of gum trees, are more intolerant of humid conditions. 

Grafting of Eremophila wood onto myoporum stock has also led to the availability of some less common ­varieties that have been difficult to propagate from cutting materials. Some Eremophilas have grey foliage, which contrasts well with the orange or blue flowers.

Callistemon Pink Champagne grows into a dense shrub about 2m tall, with stiff, aromatic leaves and large, deep pink brushes. The flowers fade as they age so that at any given time the plants carry brushes of various shades of pink. 

Honeyeaters are attracted to the flowers. Pink Champagne is a hardy and colourful plant suitable for shrubberies or native hedgerows. 

Careful and deliberate breeding techniques have resulted in an increasing variety of kangaroo paw plants that have improved forms, a wider variety of flower colour and increased disease resistance. Kangaroo paws (Anigozanthus) grow naturally in the western areas of Australia, preferring a drier summer. 

However, the newer varieties are more tolerant of humidity and are available in various heights, from small plants ideal for garden borders or pot culture, to much taller varieties. The taller varieties are usually tougher plants. To encourage good flowering displays the plants should be pruned almost to ground level. 

Westringia Jervis Bay is a hardy and adaptable shrub. It forms a rounded shrub 1-1.2m tall by 1-1.5m wide. 

Blue-mauve flowers feature most of the year. Plants prefer full sun to part shade. In addition to being a most useful plant in a native plant garden, Westringia Jervis Bay is also suitable for formal gardens as it can be pruned into shapes and low hedges.

Agonis flexuosa burgundy, with its graceful weeping habit and strong burgundy new growth would make a suitable companion plant for Westringia Jervis Bay. 

Other plants that would create effective displays include Acacia Limelight, which produces lush green foliage, with a compact growth habit, is very suitable for use in small gardens, patios and courtyards, in gardens that feature native, exotic, oriental or tropical styles; and Leptospermum Copper Glow, which is a rounded shrub that can reach a height of 3m. 

geoffh.gardening@gmail.com; Maitland and District Garden Club 

The Maitland and District Garden Club’s monthly meeting will be held on Friday,  January 29, in the Masonic Hall, Grant Street, Maitland, at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to attend.