Corymbia intermedia
pink bloodwood
Overview
Corymbia intermedia is a medium to large evergreen tree in the family Myrtaceae, commonly 50-100 feet (15-30 m) tall, with a spreading crown and rough, tessellated grey-brown bark covering the trunk and larger branches. The adult leaves are lance-shaped, 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, dark green above and paler below, with a network of veins. White to pink flowers about 0.8 inch (2 cm) across open in clusters at the branch ends, mainly from late summer into autumn, drawing nectar-feeding birds and insects. The flowers are followed by woody, urn-shaped capsules 0.6-1.2 inches (1.5-3 cm) long that persist on the tree. Wounds in the trunk exude a dark red gum. Growth is moderate to rapid in warm, humid climates on a range of soils. The species suits frost-free coastal and subtropical districts and grows slowly in cold or very dry sites. The persistent woody fruit and shed bark form litter beneath the canopy.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, along the coast and ranges from Cape York in Queensland south to north-eastern New South Wales. Grows in open forest and woodland on sandy and gravelly soils, often on coastal lowlands and foothills in a summer-rainfall climate.Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade and habitat tree in large coastal and subtropical gardens, parks, and rural plantings, spaced 30-50 feet (9-15 m) apart. The nectar-rich flowers and seed draw birds and insects. The large size, heavy fruit, and root spread limit its use in small gardens and near structures.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 100'
Width/Spread25' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
Flowers mainly from late summer into autumn (January to April in its native range), with clusters of white to pink flowers at the branch ends. Flowering varies between years and is heavier after warm, wet summers. The flowers carry nectar that draws birds, bees, and other insects.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pinkFoliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water young trees through the first two summers to establish, after which they tolerate seasonal dry periods. Plants grow in full sun on sandy, gravelly, or loamy soils with reasonable drainage and suit warm, frost-free coastal districts. Growth slows in cold, exposed, or very dry sites, and young trees are damaged by frost. Few pests cause lasting harm, though borers and leaf-feeding insects occur at times. The large size and spreading roots need room away from buildings and paving. Shed bark, capsules, and leaves form litter beneath the canopy.Pruning
Young trees can be shaped to a clear trunk by removing low branches in the early years. Mature trees need little pruning beyond removing dead or hazardous limbs. Large wounds exude red gum and heal slowly, so cuts are kept small.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter