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Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly

Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly

Most loved for its vibrant lime-green new growth, dense evergreen foliage, and neat, uniform habit, making it a standout screening plant.

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

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
30cmApprox. height: Approx. 0.8m – 1m$170.00
40cm/45L - Batch AApprox. height: Approx. 0.8m – 1.8m$310.00
40cm/45L - Batch BApprox. height: Please enquire$280.00
50cmApprox. height: Approx. 2m – 2.4m$540.00
100LApprox. height: Approx. 1m – 2.4m$700.00
200LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$1,680.00
280LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$2,240.00

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 'Sublime'

    Acmena smithii 'Sublime' is a compact evergreen lilly pilly with vivid lime-green new growth that matures to deep glossy green. Its naturally upright columnar habit delivers dense coverage from base to tip, making it one of the cleanest, lowest-maintenance screening plants available.

    Sublime grows to around 5 metres tall and just 2-3 metres wide, holding a tight column with minimal pruning. The narrow form suits tight boundary lines, pool surrounds, and structured hedges. A non-invasive root system and strong psyllid resistance make it a reliable, well-behaved alternative to more vigorous screening species.

    Sublime tolerates clay soils, light frost, and moderate drought once established. It thrives across temperate to subtropical regions of NSW, QLD, VIC and parts of SA and WA, in full sun to part shade.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly

    How tall does Sublime Lilly Pilly grow?

    Sublime grows to around 5 metres tall and just 2-3 metres wide, with a naturally upright columnar form.

    How fast does Sublime grow?

    Sublime is fast-growing, adding 50-80cm per year once established.

    Is Sublime psyllid resistant?

    Yes. Acmena smithii 'Sublime' has strong psyllid resistance, so it holds clean, unblemished foliage where older lilly pilly types can suffer pimple-like leaf damage.

    Is Sublime good for hedging and screening?

    Yes. The dense columnar habit makes Sublime ideal for narrow hedges, screens, and pool surrounds where clean form is needed.

    Are Sublime roots invasive?

    No. Sublime has a non-invasive root system, making it a safer choice near paving, pools, and boundaries than more vigorous screening species.

    How far apart should I plant Sublime for a hedge?

    Plant 60-80cm apart for a dense formal hedge, or 1 metre for a more relaxed screen.

    Where does Sublime grow best in Australia?

    Sublime thrives across temperate to subtropical regions of NSW, QLD, VIC and parts of SA and WA, tolerating clay soils, light frost, and moderate drought once established.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade
    Form
    • Columnar
    • Upright
    • Dense
    • Narrow
    Use
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Shrubs
    • Rural Property Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    Mature height
    3m to 5m
    Mature width
    2m to 3m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly

    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 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly

    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 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 40cm to 60cm per year.

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly

    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 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly 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.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

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

    Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly works in an:

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

    Is Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 3m to 5m

    Mature Width: 2m to 3m

    Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 40cm to 60cm per year.

    Growth Rate of Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly

    Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 40cm to 60cm per year.

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly

    Is Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly frost tolerant?

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

    Does Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly Flower?

    Acmena smithii ‘Sublime’ produces clusters of small white, fluffy flowers from late spring into summer. While subtle, these soft blooms sit neatly among the fresh foliage and lead to small berries that add seasonal interest.

    Does Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Sporadic

    Flower Type:

    • Clustered

    Flower Colour:

    White

    Is Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly an Australian Native Tree?

    Yes

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

    What is the Wildlife Value of Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly ?

    Its dense evergreen foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for small birds, while its flowers support native bees and beneficial insects. The berries that follow serve as a valuable food source for fruit-eating birds, enhancing biodiversity in garden settings.

    How much Sunlight does Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly need?

    Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

    Acmena smithii ‘Sublime’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It can become stressed in heavy clay or poorly drained positions unless improved with organic matter to enhance aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures and develops strong drought resilience.

    Is Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly Drought Tolerant?

    Is Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly Drought tolerant?

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How tall does Acmena Sublime grow?

    Sublime grows to 4-5 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide, and is most commonly maintained as a 1.5-3 metre clipped hedge.

    How fast does Sublime grow?

    Sublime is moderately fast-growing, adding 40-60cm per year once established.

    What is the difference between Acmena Sublime and Ficus hillii?

    Sublime is a non-invasive Australian native alternative to Ficus hillii, offering similar dense evergreen screening without the aggressive root system. It is the preferred choice for poolside, near-paving, and small-property hedging where ficus is unsafe.

    Is Acmena Sublime psyllid resistant?

    Yes. Acmena Sublime is highly psyllid resistant, which is a major advantage over older Syzygium cultivars.

    How far apart should I plant Sublime for a hedge?

    Plant 50-80cm apart for a dense formal hedge, or 1 metre for a more relaxed screen.

    Is Acmena Sublime an Australian native?

    Yes. Acmena smithii is native to eastern Australia, ranging from QLD through NSW to eastern VIC. 'Sublime' is a selected compact cultivar with lime-green new growth.

    Can Sublime grow in pots?

    Yes. Sublime performs well in large pots (45L+) and is widely used as a balcony screen or potted formal hedge with regular feeding and watering.

    Compare sizes side by side

    Scroll to compare →

    30cm

    Approx. 0.8m – 1m

    40cm/45L - Batch A

    Approx. 0.8m – 1.8m

    40cm/45L - Batch B

    50cm

    Approx. 2m – 2.4m

    100L

    Approx. 1m – 2.4m

    200L

    Enquire for current heights

    280L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Acmena smithii 'Sublime' is loved for its vibrant lime-green new growth, dense evergreen foliage, and neat, uniform habit, making it a standout screening plant.

    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 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly 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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