Acmena smithii 'Sublime' - Lilly Pilly

Choosing Acmena smithii 'Sublime' for your landscape offers numerous benefits. This variety stands out not only for its stunning foliage and compact form but also for its non-invasive root system. If you are concerned about invasive roots that can damage pavements and underground utilities, 'Sublime' is an excellent choice. Its roots typically grow in a more controlled manner, making it a safer option for planting near structures. 

The versatility of 'Sublime' also makes it a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners. It can thrive in various soil types and offers year-round visual interest with its evergreen foliage. Whether you aim to create a dense hedge, a natural screen, or simply enjoy its beauty as an ornamental feature, 'Sublime' is sure to elevate the aesthetics of your garden. 

Additionally, the tree's moderate drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements make it a practical choice for those seeking a hardy, resilient plant. With its attractive white summer blossoms and bird-attracting berries, 'Sublime' enriches your garden's biodiversity while requiring minimal upkeep.

Acmena smithii 'Sublime' is highly adaptable to various soil types, making it a versatile choice for diverse landscapes. Here’s how you can grow 'Sublime' successfully in different soil conditions: 

Loamy Soil: Loamy soil is ideal for 'Sublime' as it provides good drainage while retaining necessary moisture. To enhance soil quality, consider adding organic compost. 

Sandy Soil: If you have sandy soil, it will drain quickly but may not retain nutrients effectively. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve moisture retention and nutrient levels. Regular watering will also be essential, particularly during dry periods. 

Clay Soil: Clay soil can be challenging due to poor drainage and compact nature. To aid root development and improve aeration, work organic matter like compost or gypsum into the soil. Raised beds can also help in preventing waterlogging. 

Acidic Soil: 'Sublime' can tolerate slightly acidic conditions. If your soil is highly acidic, adding lime can help balance the pH level. Regular soil testing and amendments ensure optimal growth. 

Neutral to Alkaline Soil: This type of soil generally supports 'Sublime' well. To maintain its health, enrich your soil with organic compost or well-balanced fertilizers during the growing season. 

Regardless of the soil type, always ensure excellent drainage and avoid waterlogged conditions to keep your 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly thriving.

How to Plant Acmena smithii 'Sublime'

1. Choose the Right Spot: A location with ample sunlight is ideal; however, partial shade is also tolerable.
2. Prepare the Soil: Blend in compost or organic matter to enrich the planting area.
3. Digging: Create a hole approximately double the size of the tree's root ball.
4. Planting: Position the 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly in the hole, backfill with soil, and press down gently.
5. Initial Watering: Generously water the tree right after planting.

Caring for Acmena smithii 'Sublime'

• Watering Regime: Maintain regular watering initially, and reduce once the tree establishes.
• Pruning Guidance: Lightly trim to encourage a denser form or to maintain shape.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate root temperature.
• Monitoring Pests: Though largely psyllid-resistant, it's vital to remain vigilant for other potential pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does 'Sublime' differentiate from other Lilly Pilly variants? It's distinctive for its reddish-pink young foliage, upright growth, and resistance to psyllids.
• How frequently should 'Sublime' be pruned for hedging purposes? 1-2 times annually should suffice for a dense, neat hedge.
• Is container growth feasible for 'Sublime'? Yes, its compact nature makes it an excellent choice for pot cultivation.