(Seed Grown)
How do I know when fall has arrived — apart from looking at the calendar? When the sound of screeching tires out front is quickly followed by someone yelling “What is that?” Eucalyptus erythrocorys, better known as the Red-capped Gum, has that effect on people. It’s also one of the rare things in the eucalyptus world: a well-behaved mallee eucalyptus. Yes, you read that right — a well-behaved eucalyptus.
 
The developing flowers sit tucked beneath brilliant scarlet caps that are nearly impossible to miss. When the cap finally pops off it reveals a dense cluster of bright yellow stamens, and the contrast between the two makes for a pretty unforgettable show.
 
Like the other well-mannered eucalypts I grow, this one is refreshingly easy. Give it moderate water while it establishes and after that it’s perfectly happy running mostly dry through summer. It’s not overly picky about soil, but it may question your judgment if planted straight into thick clay.
 
Flower Color: Yellow (Red Caps)
Bloomtime: Fall - Spring
Height: 16-24 feet
Width: 8-12 feet
Exposure: Sun
Soil Type: Good to Average Drainage
Cold Tolerance: 26-28f
Irrigation requirements: Low