Marri Plant Care

Marri (Corymbia cadophora) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Corymbia genus. Marri is native to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Marri is also known as Red Flowering Gum.

Marri displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Marri produces showy clusters of white, pink, or red flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Marri every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Marri thrives in full sun.

Corymbia cadophora tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Marri prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Marri to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Marri every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Marri is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Marri can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Marri while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Marri is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Marri can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ghost gum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Marri is susceptible to lerp psyllids, borers, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Marri grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Marri is native to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Marri as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.