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Acmena smithii 'Minor'

Acmena smithii 'Minor'

Evergreen · Full Sun / Part Shade

Mature size: 3m–4m high × 2m–2.5m wide

  • Evergreen
  • Full Sun / Part Shade
  • Mature height3m–4m
  • Mature width2m–2.5m
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Flowers

Most loved for its compact size, glossy evergreen foliage, and colourful flushes of bronze-pink new growth, making it perfect for small hedges and borders.

Regular price $170.00
Sale price $170.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 30cm/33cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
30cm/33cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

Order multiple sizes

Mix pot sizes and batches in one order.

Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Approx. 0.8m – 1m$170.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$280.00
100LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$760.00
150LApprox. height: Approx. 1.6m – 2.2m$870.00
200LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$2,800.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

Delivery is calculated at checkout.

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    About Acmena smithii ‘Minor’

    Acmena smithii 'Minor', also listed as Syzygium smithii 'Minor', is a compact evergreen shrub with small glossy leaves and dense branching to ground level. New growth opens bronze red and matures to deep green. Small white flowers appear sporadically through the warmer months, followed by white to pale mauve berries.

    It suits full sun or part shade and accepts most soils, from sandy loam to improved clay, as long as drainage is adequate. Growth is 40 to 70 centimetres a year, moderate to fast. It handles light to moderate frost once established, becomes drought tolerant with age and resists psyllid attack.

    The small leaf and modest size make it a good low hedge, at 80 centimetres apart for a clipped face or 1 to 1.5 metres for a looser screen. It works in narrow beds, along fence lines and in large pots. Councils use it where a native screen must stay under 4 metres.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Minor Lilly Pilly

    What is Acmena smithii 'Minor'?

    Minor is a compact form of the Australian native lilly pilly, also listed as Syzygium smithii Minor. It has small glossy leaves, dense branching to ground level and bronze red new growth that matures to deep green. Small white flowers appear sporadically in the warmer months, followed by white to pale mauve berries.

    How big does Acmena smithii 'Minor' grow?

    Left unclipped it reaches 3 to 4 metres in height and 2 to 2.5 metres across. Trimmed, it is easily maintained as a hedge between 1 and 2.5 metres. The small leaf size means it takes a clipped face neatly, which larger leaved lilly pillies struggle to do without looking chopped.

    How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

    Plant 80 centimetres apart for a tight formal hedge, or 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen. In an avenue or as spaced specimens, allow 3 metres. Closer spacing closes the gaps within a season or two, but the row needs consistent watering and feeding to keep every plant even.

    Is Acmena smithii 'Minor' frost tolerant?

    It handles light to moderate frost once established, which covers most temperate districts. Young plants are more vulnerable, so protect them through the first winter in frost prone areas and avoid planting into open hollows where cold air settles. Frost burnt tips can be trimmed off in spring and regrow quickly.

    Can it be grown in pots?

    Yes, it is one of the more reliable native shrubs for large containers and works either as a clipped ball or as a screening plant on a balcony or terrace. Use a pot at least 500 millimetres wide with a premium potting mix, water regularly and feed each spring. Refresh the mix every few years.

    Does it attract birds?

    Yes. The white flowers bring in native bees and other insects, and the berries that follow are taken by small birds. The dense low branching also provides shelter and nesting cover, which is why it is specified in council and rural biodiversity plantings as well as in straight screening work.

    How do I prune and care for Acmena smithii 'Minor'?

    Trim lightly two or three times a year through the warmer months to keep the face dense and to encourage coloured new growth. Feed in spring with a low phosphorus native fertiliser. Water regularly through the first summer and mulch well. Avoid cutting hard into old bare wood, which is slow to reshoot.

    Key growing information
    Mature height3m to 4m
    Mature width2m to 2.5m
    PositionFull Sun / Part Shade
    Growth per year40cm to 70cm per year (moderate to fast)
    FrostFrost Tolerant
    FoliageEvergreen (foliage year round)
    FormShrub · Compact · Rounded · Broad
    UsesScreening or Privacy · Shrubs · Rural Property Planting · Council or Civic Landscapes
    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade
    Form
    • Shrub
    • Compact
    • Rounded
    • Broad
    Use
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Shrubs
    • Rural Property Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    Mature height
    3m to 4m
    Mature width
    2m to 2.5m
    Acmena smithii 'Minor' - Evergreen Trees Direct

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Acmena smithii 'Minor'

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Acmena smithii 'Minor'

    Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Acmena smithii 'Minor' is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year (moderate to fast).

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Acmena smithii 'Minor'

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for psyllids or scale in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Acmena smithii 'Minor' in Different Soil

    Acmena smithii performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Acmena smithii 'Minor' - Evergreen Trees Direct

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Screening or Privacy
    • Shrubs
    • Rural Property Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes

    Acmena smithii 'Minor' works in an:

    • Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Acmena smithii 'Minor' Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Acmena smithii 'Minor' is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 3m to 4m

    Mature Width: 2m to 2.5m

    Acmena smithii 'Minor' is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year (moderate to fast).

    Growth Rate of Acmena smithii 'Minor'

    Acmena smithii 'Minor' is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year (moderate to fast).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Acmena smithii 'Minor'

    Is Acmena smithii 'Minor' frost tolerant?

    Acmena smithii 'Minor' is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Acmena smithii 'Minor' Flower?

    Acmena smithii ‘Minor’ produces clusters of small white, fluffy flowers from late spring into summer. These delicate blooms sit among the fresh new foliage, adding a light seasonal highlight before developing into small, bird-attracting berries.

    Does Acmena smithii 'Minor' flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Sporadic

    Flower Type:

    • Clustered

    Flower Colour:

    White

    Is Acmena smithii 'Minor' an Australian Native Tree?

    Yes

    Acmena smithii 'Minor' is Native to Eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria, where Acmena smithii grows naturally in subtropical and temperate rainforests.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Acmena smithii 'Minor' ?

    Its dense evergreen foliage provides valuable shelter for small birds, while its flowers support native bees and beneficial insects. The berries that follow offer an important food source for fruit-eating birds, strengthening biodiversity in both suburban and garden settings.

    How much Sunlight does Acmena smithii 'Minor' need?

    Acmena smithii 'Minor' will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

    Acmena smithii ‘Minor’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained areas unless improved with organic matter to increase aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then provide deep, occasional watering as the tree matures and develops dependable drought resilience.

    Is Acmena smithii 'Minor' Drought Tolerant?

    Is Acmena smithii 'Minor' Drought tolerant?

    As a young tree it benefits from regular watering, but once established Acmena smithii ‘Minor’ develops good drought tolerance. It performs reliably in dry periods and maintains its dense, compact habit with minimal supplementary watering.

    Acmena smithii 'Minor' - Evergreen Trees Direct

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What sets 'Minor' apart from other Lilly Pilly varieties? Its compact stature, bronzy-red new growth, and psyllid-resistance.
    • How frequent should pruning be for hedging? Prune 1-2 times a year for a dense, tidy hedge.
    • Is 'Minor' suitable for pot growth? Due to its compact size, it's an excellent candidate for containers.
    Acmena smithii 'Minor' - Evergreen Trees Direct

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm/33cm

    Approx. 0.8m – 1m

    40cm/45L

    Enquire for current heights

    100L

    Enquire for current heights

    150L

    Approx. 1.6m – 2.2m

    200L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Acmena smithii ‘Minor’ is loved for its compact size, glossy evergreen foliage, and colourful flushes of bronze-pink new growth, making it perfect for small hedges and borders.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Acmena smithii 'Minor' With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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