Please join Jason Dewees, horticulturist at Flora Grubb Gardens and author of Designing with Palms, Mike Sullivan (author of Trees of San Francisco and webmaster of www.sftrees.com) and Richard Turner (retired editor of Pacific Horticulture) in declaring the last week of July as “red flowering gum week” in San Francisco. This amazing tree is in full bloom now - we need to start planting it again! Spread the word:

WHEREAS red flowering gum trees have stunningly beautiful red, orange, pink or white flowers every summer that outshine any other tree in San Francisco; and

WHEREAS mature red flowering gums are large trees with leaves that remain on the tree year-round, and so are excellent contributors to the fight against climate change; and

WHEREAS as natives of Western Australia, red flowering gums thrive in our cool coastal climate; and are one of the best adapted trees to San Francisco’s conditions;

WHEREAS the largest documented red flowering gum in Northern California, and the 2nd largest in the United States, is in San Francisco in San Francisco’s St. Francis Woods neighborhood in the Monterey Boulevard median near the intersection of Junipero Serra Boulevard; and

WHEREAS red flowering gums bloom from early July through September, but reach their peak bloom in late July;

WHEREAS the flowering season of red flowering gums coincides with peak tourist season in San Francisco, offering visitors Instagram-worthy brilliant floral displays;

WHEREAS, despite these many positive attributes, the City of San Francisco has virtually stopped planting red flowering gum trees;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the many fans of this amazing tree declare the last week of July now and henceforth to be “Red Flowering Gum Week” in the City and County of San Francisco, dedicated to promoting the many advantages of, and sharing images and information about, San Francisco’s best tree!