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Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly
Most loved for its dense evergreen foliage with brilliant bronze-red new growth and its neat, compact habit ideal for screening and hedging.
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$1,680.00
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$1,680.00
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- Current height guide
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- Pot size
- 100L
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.
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About this tree
About this tree
- Mature height
- 3m to 5m (approx.) (the '90L' refers to pot size)
- Mature width
- 1m to 1.5m
Acmena smithii minor 'Hot Flush' is a compact evergreen form of the Australian native lilly pilly. Its copper red new growth is the drawcard, hardening to glossy dark green as each flush matures. The bush branches heavily from the base and holds a rounded upright shape. Cream flowers open through summer.
Growth runs at roughly 50 to 75 centimetres a year, which is quick for a plant this compact. Give it full sun to part shade and any well drained soil. It suits temperate, subtropical, coastal and milder inland districts, takes light to moderate frost once established and resists the psyllid that troubles other lilly pillies.
At 2 to 3 metres tall and only 1 to 1.5 metres wide, it fits beds that a standard lilly pilly would outgrow. Common jobs are hedges along side fences, screening between neighbouring houses on narrow blocks, driveway plantings and courtyard pots. The narrow habit means less cutting back to keep a path clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Hot Flush Lilly Pilly
What is Hot Flush Lilly Pilly?
Hot Flush is a compact form of the Australian native Acmena smithii minor, grown for copper red new growth that hardens to glossy dark green. It branches densely from the base and holds an upright rounded shape, which makes it one of the more reliable hedging lilly pillies. Cream flowers open through summer.
How big does Hot Flush grow?
It reaches 2 to 3 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide when left to its own devices. The narrow width is the useful part, since it fits garden beds too tight for a standard lilly pilly. Trimming twice a year will hold it anywhere from 1.2 metres upward without the base thinning out.
How fast does it grow?
Roughly 50 to 75 centimetres a year, which is fast for a plant this compact. Most of that arrives in warm weather flushes rather than as steady growth. Given water, drainage and a feed in early spring, a row planted at hedge spacing will usually close up within two growing seasons.
Does it need full sun or shade?
Full sun gives the densest growth and the strongest red on the new foliage. It will grow in part shade and still screen well, though the colour is softer and the plant a little more open. Aim for at least four hours of direct sun a day. Deep shade under established trees is too dark.
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. As a single feature shrub, allow 3 to 4 metres so the shape develops fully. In containers, one plant suits a pot 40 to 50 centimetres wide for an entry or balcony.
Is it frost tolerant?
It handles light to moderate frost once established, which covers most coastal and inland temperate gardens. Young plants are more vulnerable, so plant in spring rather than heading into winter, and keep them out of low frost hollows. In colder districts a temporary cover through the first winter is worth the effort.
How do I prune and care for Hot Flush?
Trim after each growth flush, taking the soft new tips rather than cutting into bare wood. Two or three light trims a year build a dense hedge faster than one hard cut. Water deeply through the first two summers, mulch well, and feed with a native fertiliser in early spring.
Mature height & width
Mature height & width
- Mature height
- 3m to 5m (approx.) (the '90L' refers to pot size)
- Mature width
- 1m to 1.5m
Pot sizes & dimensions
Pot sizes & dimensions
| Pot / bag size | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 30cm Pot | 33cm | 30cm |
| 40cm/45L Pot | 44cm | 41.5cm |
| 50cm Pot / 70L Pot | 55cm | 41.8cm |
| 100L Bag | 50.6cm | 52.8cm |
| 150L Bag | 66cm | 55cm |
| 200L Bag | 71.5cm | 60.5cm |
| 300L Bag | 88cm | 63.8cm |
| 400L Bag | 99cm | 66cm |
| 500L Bag | 122cm | 66cm |
| 750L Bag | 134cm | 69cm |
| 1000L Bag | 146.3cm | 71.5cm |
| 2000L Bag | 176cm | 82.5cm |
General planting reference from our existing size guide. Actual containers can vary by supplier and batch; confirm exact dimensions if required.
Delivery & pickup
Delivery & pickup
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Not sure how many trees you need?
Plan your hedge
Enter the length of your boundary, then choose how closely you want to plant.
Enter your boundary length to see how many trees you need.
Measure only the boundary you intend to plant—exclude gates and gaps. Spacing is centre to centre. Quantities are rounded up for one row, allowing roughly half the spacing at each end. Site conditions and pruning affect the final hedge.
About Acmena smithii minor ‘Hot Flush’
Acmena smithii minor 'Hot Flush' is a compact evergreen form of the Australian native lilly pilly. Its copper red new growth is the drawcard, hardening to glossy dark green as each flush matures. The bush branches heavily from the base and holds a rounded upright shape. Cream flowers open through summer.
Growth runs at roughly 50 to 75 centimetres a year, which is quick for a plant this compact. Give it full sun to part shade and any well drained soil. It suits temperate, subtropical, coastal and milder inland districts, takes light to moderate frost once established and resists the psyllid that troubles other lilly pillies.
At 2 to 3 metres tall and only 1 to 1.5 metres wide, it fits beds that a standard lilly pilly would outgrow. Common jobs are hedges along side fences, screening between neighbouring houses on narrow blocks, driveway plantings and courtyard pots. The narrow habit means less cutting back to keep a path clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Hot Flush Lilly Pilly
What is Hot Flush Lilly Pilly?
Hot Flush is a compact form of the Australian native Acmena smithii minor, grown for copper red new growth that hardens to glossy dark green. It branches densely from the base and holds an upright rounded shape, which makes it one of the more reliable hedging lilly pillies. Cream flowers open through summer.
How big does Hot Flush grow?
It reaches 2 to 3 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide when left to its own devices. The narrow width is the useful part, since it fits garden beds too tight for a standard lilly pilly. Trimming twice a year will hold it anywhere from 1.2 metres upward without the base thinning out.
How fast does it grow?
Roughly 50 to 75 centimetres a year, which is fast for a plant this compact. Most of that arrives in warm weather flushes rather than as steady growth. Given water, drainage and a feed in early spring, a row planted at hedge spacing will usually close up within two growing seasons.
Does it need full sun or shade?
Full sun gives the densest growth and the strongest red on the new foliage. It will grow in part shade and still screen well, though the colour is softer and the plant a little more open. Aim for at least four hours of direct sun a day. Deep shade under established trees is too dark.
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. As a single feature shrub, allow 3 to 4 metres so the shape develops fully. In containers, one plant suits a pot 40 to 50 centimetres wide for an entry or balcony.
Is it frost tolerant?
It handles light to moderate frost once established, which covers most coastal and inland temperate gardens. Young plants are more vulnerable, so plant in spring rather than heading into winter, and keep them out of low frost hollows. In colder districts a temporary cover through the first winter is worth the effort.
How do I prune and care for Hot Flush?
Trim after each growth flush, taking the soft new tips rather than cutting into bare wood. Two or three light trims a year build a dense hedge faster than one hard cut. Water deeply through the first two summers, mulch well, and feed with a native fertiliser in early spring.
- Foliage
Evergreen (foliage year round)
- Position
- Form
- Use
- Mature height
- 3m to 5m (approx.) (the '90L' refers to pot size)
- Mature width
- 1m to 1.5m
Planting Information
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 50cm to 75cm per year (approx.).
Long Term Care For Your Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly
Planting Your Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly in Different Soil
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly works in an:
Is Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly Evergreen or Deciduous?
Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: 3m to 5m (approx.) (the '90L' refers to pot size)
Mature Width: 1m to 1.5m
Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 50cm to 75cm per year (approx.).
Growth Rate of Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 50cm to 75cm per year (approx.).
They are considered to have a:
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly
Is Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly frost tolerant?
Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.
Does Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly Flower?
Acmena smithii ‘Minor Hot Flush’ produces small clusters of fluffy white flowers from late spring through summer. These soft, subtle blooms sit among the fine teardrop foliage and are followed by pink to deep-red berries, adding gentle seasonal interest.
Does Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly flower?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
Cream
Is Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly an Australian Native Tree?
Yes
Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly is Native to Eastern Australia, from Queensland through coastal New South Wales, where Acmena smithii (syn. Syzygium smithii) grows naturally in subtropical and littoral rainforests.
What is the Wildlife Value of Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly ?
Its flowers attract native bees and pollinating insects, while the colourful berries provide food for small birds. The dense, evergreen foliage also creates excellent shelter, nesting space and protective cover, making it highly valuable for suburban and wildlife-friendly gardens.
How much Sunlight does Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly need?
Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly will thrive best in:
Preferred Soil?
https://chatgpt.com/c/692aafec-ee14-8324-b5f5-73c5c2dc898b#:~:text=Acmena%20smithii%20%E2%80%98Minor%20Hot%20Flush%E2%80%99%20performs,screening%20growth%20and%20healthy%20berry%20production.
Is Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly Drought Tolerant?
Is Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly Drought tolerant?
As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Minor Hot Flush’ develops good drought tolerance. It performs reliably in warm, dry and urban conditions and maintains dense foliage and colour flushes with deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare sizes side by side
100L
Enquire for current heights
Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.
Acmena smithii minor ‘Hot Flush’ is loved for its dense evergreen foliage with brilliant bronze-red new growth and its neat, compact habit ideal for screening and hedging.
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 Hot Flush Tear drop - 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.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
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.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Syzygium australe 'Straight & Narrow' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Straight & Narrow' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Straight and Narrow' (PBR SAN01) is a tightly columnar evergreen Lilly Pilly, designed for high-density hedging and narrow planting spaces. Its slim form, reaching 5-8m tall but only 1-1.5m wide, is perfect for modern gardens where space is limited but vertical structure is desired.
They look excellent when used as a striking vertical screen or boundary hedge, providing year-round greenery with rich mid to dark green foliage and attractive reddish-bronze new growth. Summer fluffy white flowers and bird-attracting edible berries add seasonal interest.
For a polished effect, plant in rows spaced 80cm to 1.2m apart and maintain with annual or biannual pruning to keep the clean, architectural shape. 'Straight and Narrow' thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts well to well-drained soils. Its psyllid resistance and tolerance to urban conditions make it a reliable, low-maintenance choice for compact and contemporary landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Syzygium australe 'Straight & Narrow' Lilly Pilly
How tall does Straight & Narrow grow?
Straight & Narrow grows to 5-8 metres tall but only 1-1.5 metres wide, making it one of the narrowest lilly pilly cultivars available.
How wide does Straight & Narrow get?
It stays just 1-1.5 metres wide at maturity, making it ideal for narrow garden beds, tight boundaries, and small spaces where wider lilly pillies would be too bulky.
Is Straight & Narrow psyllid resistant?
Yes. Straight & Narrow shows good psyllid resistance, making it more reliable than older Syzygium cultivars across Australian gardens.
How fast does Straight & Narrow grow?
Straight & Narrow is fast-growing, adding 50-80cm per year once established in good conditions.
How far apart should I plant Straight & Narrow for a hedge?
Plant 80cm-1.2 metres apart for a continuous columnar screen.
Can Straight & Narrow grow in pots?
Yes. Its slim profile makes it an excellent pot plant for balconies, courtyards, and tight outdoor spaces. Use a minimum 50L pot with regular watering.
Does Straight & Narrow tolerate frost?
Straight & Narrow has moderate frost tolerance and copes with light or occasional frosts once established. Young plants are the most vulnerable, so in colder inland districts give them a sheltered position and protect them through their first couple of winters. Where frosts are heavy or prolonged, a hardier evergreen screen is the safer choice.
Syzygium australe 'Straight & Narrow' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' is a fast-growing, low-maintenance Australian native ideal for creating dense, lush hedges. Its vibrant evergreen foliage is complemented by striking coppery bronze new growth, making it a gorgeous and eye-catching feature in any garden.
They look excellent when planted as privacy screens or formal hedges and work well for topiary or standalone ornamental trees. Summer brings fluffy cream-white blossoms that attract bees and native birds, boosting your garden's ecological value.
Thriving in full sun to part shade and adaptable to well-drained soils, including clay and sandy types, this resilient tree is drought and frost tolerant once established. For added landscape interest, 'Backyard Bliss' hedges can be underplanted with shade-tolerant groundcovers or small flowering plants to create layered garden designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
How tall does Backyard Bliss Lilly Pilly grow?
Backyard Bliss reaches 4-5 metres tall and around 2 metres wide at maturity. With regular trimming it can be maintained at any height between 1.5 and 4 metres, making it one of the most versatile lilly pilly varieties for Australian hedges.
How fast does Backyard Bliss grow?
Backyard Bliss is a fast-growing cultivar, adding roughly 1 metre of growth per year once established in good conditions. Expect a usable privacy hedge within 18-24 months from 45L pot size.
How far apart should I plant Backyard Bliss for a hedge?
Plant 60-80cm apart for a dense, fast-establishing formal hedge. For a looser informal screen, 1 metre spacing also works well.
Is Backyard Bliss psyllid resistant?
Yes. Backyard Bliss is one of the most psyllid-resistant lilly pilly varieties available, which is the main reason it outperforms older Syzygium cultivars across Australian gardens.
Can Backyard Bliss grow in pots?
Yes. Backyard Bliss performs well in large pots (minimum 50L) and is widely used as a balcony screen or potted formal hedge with regular watering and feeding.
Will Backyard Bliss attract birds and pollinators?
Yes. The summer cream-white flowers attract native birds, bees, and pollinators, and the dense evergreen canopy provides shelter and nesting habitat.
How do I prune Backyard Bliss?
Trim two to three times through the warmer months to keep a formal hedge dense and even, starting while the plants are young so the base fills out properly. Light, regular clipping gives a better result than one hard cut. Backyard Bliss shoots readily from older wood, so it recovers well if you need to bring a hedge back down in height.
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen' carries small shimmering silver-green leaves on near-black stems, giving a light airy screen that moves in the wind rather than reading as a solid green wall. It is one of the most widely specified screening plants in Australian landscape design for exactly that reason.
'Silver Sheen' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall but only 1.5 to 2 metres wide at 30 to 60 centimetres per year, which makes it a genuine solution for narrow beds along fence lines and between buildings where height is needed but width is not available. Small cream flowers appear in spring and are lightly fragrant.
'Silver Sheen' grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates light to moderate frost once established, performing from subtropical Queensland through Sydney, Melbourne, Gippsland and Adelaide. It clips well, holds density under regular trimming, and is equally effective as a formal hedge or a loose screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
How tall does Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' grow?
'Silver Sheen' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall and only 1.5 to 2 metres wide, which makes it one of the best options for narrow screening where a tall hedge is needed in a shallow bed.
How fast does 'Silver Sheen' grow?
It grows at 30 to 60 centimetres per year once established, reaching a usable screening height within three to four years with regular water and feeding.
How narrow can I keep 'Silver Sheen'?
It naturally holds to 1.5 to 2 metres wide and can be trimmed to under a metre with regular clipping, which is why it is so often used in tight side-boundary positions.
How far apart should I plant 'Silver Sheen' for a hedge?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge. Closer spacing fills in faster but needs more trimming.
Is 'Silver Sheen' frost tolerant?
'Silver Sheen' handles light to moderate frost once established. Young plants benefit from protection through their first winter in colder inland districts.
Does 'Silver Sheen' grow in shade?
Yes. It performs in full sun through to part shade. In shadier positions growth is slightly more open, which suits a softer informal screen.
Where does 'Silver Sheen' grow best in Australia?
It performs from subtropical Queensland through Northern NSW, Sydney, the South Coast and tablelands, Melbourne and surrounds, the Western District, Gippsland and Adelaide.
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Acmena smithii 'Firescreen' - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Firescreen' - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Firescreen' is a fast-growing Australian native lilly pilly selected for its brilliant red new growth, which flushes repeatedly through the warmer months against dense glossy green mature foliage. As an Acmena it is naturally resistant to psyllid, so the foliage stays clean without spraying.
'Firescreen' grows to 4 to 5 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide with a naturally dense upright habit that fills in from ground level. Growth is quick at 50 to 90 centimetres per year once established, which makes it one of the faster ways to build a solid privacy screen along a boundary or between neighbouring houses.
'Firescreen' performs across most of the Australian east coast and southern states, from tropical Queensland through to Melbourne and Adelaide. It handles full sun to part shade, tolerates light to moderate frost once established, and responds well to trimming, so it can be run as a loose screen or clipped into a formal hedge.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Acmena smithii 'Firescreen'
How tall does Acmena smithii 'Firescreen' grow?
'Firescreen' grows to 4 to 5 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide when left unpruned. It is easily maintained at 2 to 3 metres as a trimmed hedge, and holds its density right down to ground level.
How fast does 'Firescreen' grow?
'Firescreen' is fast-growing, adding 50 to 90 centimetres per year once established. In good soil with regular water through the first two summers it will form a usable screen within two to three years.
Is 'Firescreen' psyllid resistant?
Yes. 'Firescreen' is an Acmena, and Acmena species are naturally resistant to the psyllid that causes pimple-like galls on many Syzygium lilly pillies. This is the main reason it is chosen for large hedge runs.
How far apart should I plant 'Firescreen' for a hedge?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge. For an avenue effect allow 3 metres between plants.
Is 'Firescreen' frost tolerant?
'Firescreen' handles light to moderate frost once established. In colder inland districts protect young plants through their first winter, after which they harden off and cope with regular frost.
Where does 'Firescreen' grow best in Australia?
'Firescreen' performs from tropical and subtropical Queensland through coastal and inland New South Wales, Melbourne and surrounds, Gippsland, the Western District and Adelaide. It is one of the more climate-adaptable lilly pillies.
When and how should I prune 'Firescreen'?
Trim two to three times through the growing season to build density and keep lines crisp. Each cut triggers a fresh flush of red new growth, so regular light pruning gives more colour rather than less.
Acmena smithii 'Firescreen' - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly
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.
Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise', now also listed under Syzygium smithii, is a compact evergreen shrub native to eastern Australia. New growth flushes bright pink and apricot before hardening to deep green, so the plant carries colour through most of the year. Fluffy cream flowers follow in summer, then small rosy berries.
It puts on 20 to 40 centimetres a year and settles at 2 to 4 metres tall and wide. Full sun to part shade suits it, in almost any well drained soil. It grows happily in temperate, subtropical and coastal gardens, takes light frost once established and becomes drought hardy with age.
Most buyers use it as a low informal hedge, a border shrub or a clipped ball beside an entry. It also works as underplanting beneath taller trees and in large pots on paved areas. Dense growth right to ground level gives privacy at eye height without the bulk of a full sized lilly pilly.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Minor Sunrise Lilly Pilly
What is Minor Sunrise Lilly Pilly?
It is a compact evergreen shrub, Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise', from the myrtle family and native to eastern Australia. The appeal is the new growth, which opens pink and apricot before turning deep green, so the plant looks freshly coloured several times a year. Cream flowers arrive in summer and small berries follow.
How big does Minor Sunrise Lilly Pilly grow?
Left unclipped it reaches 2 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 4 metres wide, filling out into a rounded dense shrub. Most people keep it well under that with an annual trim, and it will hold a clipped ball or a low hedge at anywhere from 1 to 2 metres without losing density at the base.
How fast does it grow?
About 20 to 40 centimetres a year, which is moderate for a lilly pilly. Growth is quickest in warm humid weather from spring through to autumn and slows over winter. Water and a spring feed lift the rate, while poor drainage or dry soil will drop it. Expect a useful low hedge within three seasons.
When does it flower?
Fluffy cream flowers open through summer, roughly December to February. They are followed by small pinkish berries that birds take, and the fruit is edible though fairly bland. Clipping hard in late spring removes the flower buds, so time your pruning for after the flowers finish if you want the berries as well.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes. A pot 40 to 50 centimetres wide holds a single plant well for courtyards, entries and balconies. Use a quality potting mix with added drainage, water more often than you would in the ground, and feed with a controlled release native fertiliser each spring. Root prune and refresh the mix every few years.
Is it resistant to psyllids?
Acmena smithii and its cultivars are notably resistant to the lilly pilly psyllid that pimples and distorts the leaves of many Syzygium types. 'Minor Sunrise' rarely needs spraying, which is the main reason it gets specified where clean foliage matters. Keep plants growing steadily, since stressed plants attract more trouble than healthy ones.
How do I care for Minor Sunrise Lilly Pilly?
Water deeply twice a week through the first summer, then taper off as it hardens up. Mulch to 75 millimetres, keeping it clear of the stem. Feed in early spring with a slow release fertiliser suited to natives, and clip lightly after each growth flush to build density. Very little else is needed.
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Balls' is Star Jasmine grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere. The small glossy leaves sit tight on a woody framework, holding a clean rounded outline year round. White pinwheel flowers open in spring and carry a strong sweet scent right across a courtyard.
Ball specimens hold at about 1 to 1.5 metres tall and wide with light clipping. Full sun to part shade suits them, in any free draining soil. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year. They handle coastal exposure, light frost and dry spells once the roots are down.
Repeat them along a driveway, either side of an entry, or in pots on a terrace where a formal shape is wanted straight away. They read as structure in a planting scheme without the height of a hedge, and because the form is already trained, a new garden looks settled from the day it goes in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Star Jasmine Balls
What are Star Jasmine Balls?
They are Trachelospermum jasminoides, the common Star Jasmine, grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere on a woody framework. Instead of climbing, the plant is trained into a self supporting rounded shape. The foliage is small, glossy and dark green, and the plant carries scented white flowers through spring.
How big do Star Jasmine Balls grow?
They hold at roughly 1 to 1.5 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year, so a light clip once or twice a year keeps the ball tight at whatever size within that range suits the setting.
Do Star Jasmine Balls need sun or shade?
Full sun to part shade both work. Full sun gives the densest foliage and the heaviest flowering, while part shade produces slightly softer, more open growth and fewer flowers. Avoid deep shade, where the ball thins out and loses its outline. Morning sun with afternoon protection suits hot inland gardens.
Can Star Jasmine Balls be grown in pots?
Yes, and pots are one of the main uses. A container 50 to 60 centimetres wide with a quality free draining mix will hold a ball for years. Water more often than you would in the ground, especially in summer, and feed in spring and again in late summer. Refresh the mix every few years.
Are Star Jasmine Balls evergreen?
Yes, the foliage is held year round. The glossy dark green leaves take on a bronze tinge in cold weather and green up again in spring, but the plant never goes bare. That is what makes it useful as permanent structure in a scheme, particularly in winter once perennials have died back.
When do Star Jasmine Balls flower?
Flowering runs through spring, roughly September to November, and often carries into early summer in warmer districts. The white pinwheel flowers are small but produced in quantity, and the scent is strong on still evenings. Flowering is heaviest on plants in full sun that were not clipped hard just before bud set.
How do I prune and care for Star Jasmine Balls?
Clip lightly with hedging shears once after flowering and again in late summer if needed, taking only the new growth to keep the outline crisp. Water deeply in dry weather, mulch the base, and feed in early spring. The sap is milky and can irritate skin, so wear gloves when trimming.
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
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Perfect Substitutes for Acmena smithii minor Hot Flush Tear drop - Lilly Pilly
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' is a fast-growing, low-maintenance Australian native ideal for creating dense, lush hedges. Its vibrant evergreen foliage is complemented by striking coppery bronze new growth, making it a gorgeous and eye-catching feature in any garden.
They look excellent when planted as privacy screens or formal hedges and work well for topiary or standalone ornamental trees. Summer brings fluffy cream-white blossoms that attract bees and native birds, boosting your garden's ecological value.
Thriving in full sun to part shade and adaptable to well-drained soils, including clay and sandy types, this resilient tree is drought and frost tolerant once established. For added landscape interest, 'Backyard Bliss' hedges can be underplanted with shade-tolerant groundcovers or small flowering plants to create layered garden designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
How tall does Backyard Bliss Lilly Pilly grow?
Backyard Bliss reaches 4-5 metres tall and around 2 metres wide at maturity. With regular trimming it can be maintained at any height between 1.5 and 4 metres, making it one of the most versatile lilly pilly varieties for Australian hedges.
How fast does Backyard Bliss grow?
Backyard Bliss is a fast-growing cultivar, adding roughly 1 metre of growth per year once established in good conditions. Expect a usable privacy hedge within 18-24 months from 45L pot size.
How far apart should I plant Backyard Bliss for a hedge?
Plant 60-80cm apart for a dense, fast-establishing formal hedge. For a looser informal screen, 1 metre spacing also works well.
Is Backyard Bliss psyllid resistant?
Yes. Backyard Bliss is one of the most psyllid-resistant lilly pilly varieties available, which is the main reason it outperforms older Syzygium cultivars across Australian gardens.
Can Backyard Bliss grow in pots?
Yes. Backyard Bliss performs well in large pots (minimum 50L) and is widely used as a balcony screen or potted formal hedge with regular watering and feeding.
Will Backyard Bliss attract birds and pollinators?
Yes. The summer cream-white flowers attract native birds, bees, and pollinators, and the dense evergreen canopy provides shelter and nesting habitat.
How do I prune Backyard Bliss?
Trim two to three times through the warmer months to keep a formal hedge dense and even, starting while the plants are young so the base fills out properly. Light, regular clipping gives a better result than one hard cut. Backyard Bliss shoots readily from older wood, so it recovers well if you need to bring a hedge back down in height.
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe, the brush cherry or lilly pilly, is a fast growing evergreen Australian native, seen as a large shrub or a small tree depending on how it is trained. The glossy foliage is dense to the ground and coppery red when new, and creamy white flowers give way to pink to dark red edible berries.
It reaches 6 to 10 metres pruned and up to 12 metres unpruned, spreading 3 to 5 metres, and puts on 50 to 80 centimetres a year. Full sun to part shade both suit it. Enriched, well drained soil is ideal, and established plants take coastal exposure, light frost and moderate drought.
Most buyers use it as a tall hedge or privacy screen, though it makes a fine shade tree if allowed to run. It clips hard into formal shapes and recovers quickly, which suits urban gardens and commercial landscapes where a screen must stay in bounds. Flowers and berries add wildlife value at no extra work.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Brush Cherry
What is Brush Cherry?
Syzygium australe is a rainforest species from the east coast of Australia, ranging from southern Queensland through to eastern Victoria. In the wild it grows as a tree along creek lines and rainforest margins. In gardens it is most often kept as a hedge, since it responds to clipping better than almost any other native.
How big does Syzygium australe grow?
Left unpruned it can reach 12 metres, and it typically sits between 6 and 10 metres when pruned, with a spread of 3 to 5 metres. As a clipped hedge it will hold at any height between about 1.5 and 5 metres. Judge the site on width as much as height, because the canopy is broad.
How fast does it grow?
It grows 50 to 80 centimetres a year, which is moderate to fast, and it is one of the quicker ways to get a tall screen. Growth is strongest in warm humid conditions with regular water. A hedge planted from advanced stock will usually close up within two seasons if kept watered and trimmed.
Are the berries edible?
Yes. The pink to dark red fruit is edible, with a crisp texture and a tart, faintly spicy flavour. It is more commonly used for jams, jellies and cordials than eaten in quantity fresh. Fruit forms in summer and autumn after flowering, and birds usually take most of it before anyone gets around to picking.
Is it frost and drought tolerant?
It tolerates light frost once established and copes with moderate dry periods, though it is not a plant for hot arid inland gardens without irrigation. Young plants are more sensitive on both counts and need protection through their first winter in cold districts. Consistent moisture produces the dense foliage that makes a good screen.
How far apart should I plant it for a screen?
For a dense informal screen, 1 to 1.5 metres apart works well. For a tighter formal hedge, plant 80 centimetres apart. As a feature or shade tree, allow 3 to 4 metres between trees, or 3 metres for avenue planting where a uniform line is wanted. Spacing tighter than 80 centimetres brings no benefit.
How do I prune and maintain it?
Trim two or three times a year through the warmer months, cutting lightly and often rather than hard and rarely. Water deeply in the first two summers and mulch well. Feed in spring and again in late summer with a native fertiliser. Older plantings can be cut back hard into bare wood and will reshoot readily.
Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii is the lilly pilly that stays clean. As an Acmena it is naturally resistant to the psyllid that causes pimple-like galls on Syzygium varieties, so a hedge holds glossy unblemished foliage year after year without spraying. New growth flushes bronze to pink over dark green.
Acmena smithii grows to 5 to 6 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide at 40 to 70 centimetres per year, with a naturally dense habit that fills in from ground level. Fluffy white flowers are followed by ornamental berries. It runs equally well as a formal clipped hedge, an informal screen, or a lifted feature tree.
This Australian native grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates light to moderate frost once established. It is widely used in civic, commercial and rural landscape planting precisely because it delivers a reliable screen with very little ongoing attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Acmena smithii
How tall does Acmena smithii grow?
Acmena smithii grows to 5 to 6 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide unpruned. It is commonly held at 2 to 3 metres as a hedge and holds density right to ground level.
Is Acmena smithii psyllid resistant?
Yes. Acmena species are naturally resistant to the psyllid that causes pimple-like galls on many Syzygium lilly pillies. This is the main reason Acmena is specified for large hedge runs.
How fast does Acmena smithii grow?
It grows at 40 to 70 centimetres per year once established, forming a usable screen within two to three years with regular water through the first summers.
How far apart should I plant Acmena smithii for a hedge?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.
Does Acmena smithii grow in shade?
Yes. It performs in full sun through to part shade. In shadier positions growth is slightly more open but the plant stays healthy and dense enough to screen.
Does Acmena smithii flower and fruit?
Yes. Fluffy white flowers appear sporadically and are followed by small ornamental berries that attract birds. The berries are edible but not commonly eaten.
Is Acmena smithii frost tolerant?
It handles light to moderate frost once established. Protect young plants through their first winter in colder inland districts.
Acmena smithii - Lilly Pilly
Cupressus x leylandii 'Better Green'
Cupressus x leylandii 'Better Green'
Cupressus leylandii 'Better Green', commonly known as Better Green Leyland Cypress, is an improved and reliable alternative to traditional Leighton Green. Engineered for faster growth, a tighter form, and, most importantly, high resistance to cypress canker, it's a standout choice for long-term hedging, screening, and windbreaks in residential, rural, and commercial landscapes.
Growing 15-20 metres tall with a narrow spread of 3-4 metres, Better Green forms a dense, upright columnar screen ideal for privacy hedging, boundary planting, or shelterbelts. Its lush, rich green foliage remains vibrant year-round and responds well to pruning, making shape and size control easy.
Thriving in full sun to part shade, it tolerates wind, salt spray, drought, and urban pollution, while adapting well to most well-drained soil types. Once established, this cultivar is low maintenance and delivers fast, dependable screening wherever it's planted.
Perfect for privacy hedging, windbreaks, boundary screening, and large feature rows, Better Green combines speed, durability, and disease resistance for superior landscape performance.
Better Green or Leighton Green? Better Green is the improved Leyland Cypress, selected for faster growth, a tighter columnar form, and high resistance to cypress canker. The original Leighton Green is slightly more budget-friendly and equally fast but more prone to canker disease. Choose Better Green for long-term performance and Leighton Green for short-term screening where cost is the priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Cupressus leylandii 'Better Green'
How tall does Better Green grow?
Better Green grows to 15-20 metres tall with a narrow spread of 3-4 metres, making it ideal for tall privacy hedging and windbreaks.
How fast does Better Green grow?
Better Green is one of Australia's fastest-growing privacy hedges, putting on 1-1.5 metres per year once established.
What is the difference between Better Green and Leighton Green?
Better Green is an improved Leyland Cypress cultivar with faster growth, a tighter form, and high resistance to cypress canker. Leighton Green is the original cultivar, slightly cheaper but more susceptible to canker disease.
Is Better Green disease resistant?
Yes. Better Green was specifically selected for high resistance to cypress canker, which is the main disease affecting traditional Leyland Cypress hedges in Australia.
How far apart should I plant Better Green for a hedge?
Plant 80cm-1.2 metres apart for a dense, fast-establishing privacy screen.
Does Better Green tolerate coastal conditions?
Yes. Better Green tolerates wind, salt spray, and coastal exposure once established, making it a strong choice for coastal properties.
How do I prune Better Green?
Trim lightly two to three times a year from spring through to early autumn, keeping every cut within the green outer growth. Like most conifers, Better Green will not reshoot from bare brown wood, so avoid cutting back into the older interior. Begin shaping while the hedge is young and it will stay dense and easy to hold at the height you want.
Cupressus x leylandii 'Better Green'
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