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Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly
Most loved for its glossy evergreen foliage with brilliant orange-red new growth and its neat clipped ball form, perfect for formal gardens and entrances.
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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
- Naturally grows 3m to 5m (approx.) (topiary height is maintained by pruning)
- Mature width
- 2m to 4m
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.
Mature height & width
Mature height & width
- Mature height
- Naturally grows 3m to 5m (approx.) (topiary height is maintained by pruning)
- Mature width
- 2m to 4m
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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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 Sunrise'
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.
- Foliage
Evergreen (foliage year round)
- Position
- Form
- Use
- Mature height
- Naturally grows 3m to 5m (approx.) (topiary height is maintained by pruning)
- Mature width
- 2m to 4m
Planting Information
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (moderate) (approx.).
Long Term Care For Your Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly
Planting Your Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly in Different Soil
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly works in an:
Is Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly Evergreen or Deciduous?
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: Naturally grows 3m to 5m (approx.) (topiary height is maintained by pruning)
Mature Width: 2m to 4m
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (moderate) (approx.).
Growth Rate of Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (moderate) (approx.).
They are considered to have a:
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly
Is Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly frost tolerant?
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.
Does Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly Flower?
Acmena smithii ‘Minor Sunrise’ produces small clusters of fluffy white flowers from late spring through summer. These soft, delicate blooms sit neatly among the tight, rounded foliage and are followed by pink to deep-red berries, adding gentle ornamental interest throughout the warmer months.
Does Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly flower?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
Cream
Is Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly an Australian Native Tree?
Yes
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly is Native to Eastern Australia, from Queensland through coastal New South Wales, where Syzygium australe grows naturally in subtropical and littoral rainforests.
What is the Wildlife Value of Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly ?
Its nectar-rich flowers attract native bees and pollinating insects, while the colourful berries provide food for small birds. The dense evergreen foliage also offers excellent shelter and nesting cover, making it a beneficial addition to wildlife-friendly and suburban gardens.
How much Sunlight does Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly need?
Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly will thrive best in:
Preferred Soil?
Acmena smithii ‘Minor Sunrise’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in compacted clay or waterlogged ground unless improved with organic matter to enhance drainage and aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as it matures to support drought resilience, dense topiary form and healthy berry production.
Is Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly Drought Tolerant?
Is Acmena smithii 'Minor Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly Drought tolerant?
As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Minor Sunrise’ develops good drought tolerance. It performs strongly in warm, dry and urban settings and maintains its compact, clipped ball shape with deep, occasional watering during extended dry spells.
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 Sunrise' is loved for its glossy evergreen foliage with brilliant orange-red new growth and its neat clipped ball form, perfect for formal gardens and entrances.
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 Sunrise' Balls - 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
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 - 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
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
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 Sunrise' Balls - Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Minor'
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.
Acmena smithii 'Minor'
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 ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Plum Magic' is a compact evergreen selection of the native lilly pilly, grown for the deep plum purple of its new leaves. The flushes sit above glossy green mature foliage in a dense, rounded and slightly upright shape. Fluffy white flowers arrive in summer, followed by small pink to red berries.
Plants reach roughly 3 to 4 metres tall and 1.5 to 2 metres wide, growing 30 to 60 centimetres a year, and clip readily to any smaller size. Full sun to part shade both work well. It takes light frost and short dry spells once established, and asks only for reasonable drainage.
It suits dense hedges, low screens and small feature plantings in courtyards, gardens and streetscapes, and it is a common choice in council work. The purple flush gives foliage contrast in mixed borders without relying on flowers. Where a lilly pilly is wanted at a smaller scale, this is the sensible size.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Plum Magic Lilly Pilly
What is Plum Magic Lilly Pilly?
It is a compact cultivar of Syzygium australe selected for its new growth, which emerges plum purple rather than the coppery red of the species. The habit is dense, rounded and upright, and noticeably smaller than a standard brush cherry. It is evergreen, Australian native, and holds foliage right to ground level when grown in the open.
How big does Plum Magic grow?
Expect about 3 to 4 metres in height and 1.5 to 2 metres in width if grown out, and considerably less under regular clipping. It is frequently held at 1 to 1.5 metres as a low hedge and takes that treatment without thinning. The compact habit means less pruning than the full sized species.
Why is the new growth purple?
The purple pigment in young leaves is anthocyanin, which shields soft new tissue from strong light while it hardens off. As the leaf matures the pigment breaks down and the leaf turns glossy green. Each new flush repeats the display, and trimming triggers a flush, so a clipped plant colours up several times a year.
How fast does it grow?
It puts on 30 to 60 centimetres a year, which is moderate and easier to manage than the faster growing lilly pillies. A hedge from advanced stock closes up over two to three seasons. Warmth, water and a spring feed all push growth along. Once at the height you want, trimming holds it there with little effort.
Can it be grown in a pot?
Yes. The compact size suits large pots and planter boxes, including balcony and courtyard use. Choose a container at least 50 centimetres wide, use a free draining premium mix, and water consistently through summer since pots dry out quickly. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser in spring, and repot or root prune every few years.
Is it frost tolerant?
It handles light to moderate frost once established, which makes it usable across most temperate parts of Australia. Young plants are more vulnerable and worth protecting through their first winter in colder districts. Frost damage usually shows as browning on the newest growth, and plants recover in spring with a light trim.
How do I care for Plum Magic?
Water regularly through the first two summers and mulch the root zone, keeping the mulch clear of the stems. Clip lightly two or three times through the warmer months to keep it dense and to bring on the coloured flush. Feed in spring with a native fertiliser. Check new growth for psyllid and remove affected tips.
Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum
Tristaniopsis laurina, the Water Gum, is a small to medium-sized Australian native valued for its compact form, glossy foliage, and attractive bark. The smooth bark sheds in patches in shades of grey, cream and orange, creating genuine year-round interest.
Water Gum grows to 7-12 metres tall and 4-7 metres wide, with glossy lance-shaped leaves arranged densely along the branches to form a neat rounded canopy. Its manageable size, tidy form, and non-invasive roots make it a reliable choice for feature planting, street and avenue use, parks, and civic landscapes. Clusters of nectar-rich yellow star-shaped flowers appear in summer.
Water Gum grows at a moderate rate and is well adapted to a wide range of soils, including those prone to occasional wetness. It is evergreen, hardy, and tolerant of light frost once established, performing best in full sun to part shade with only occasional pruning to shape when young. The flowers attract birds, bees, and other pollinators.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum
How tall does Water Gum grow?
Tristaniopsis laurina grows to 7-12 metres tall and 4-7 metres wide with a dense rounded canopy, though it is often smaller in cultivation.
How fast does Water Gum grow?
Water Gum has a moderate growth rate of 40-60cm per year once established.
Is Water Gum an Australian native?
Yes. Tristaniopsis laurina is native to eastern Australia, naturally found along watercourses and rivers from QLD through to VIC.
When does Water Gum flower?
Water Gum produces clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in late spring and summer, typically November to January, attracting native bees and pollinators.
Is Water Gum suitable for street planting?
Yes. Water Gum is widely used by Australian councils as a street tree thanks to its tidy form, non-invasive roots, glossy foliage, and tolerance of urban conditions.
What does the bark look like?
Water Gum has attractive smooth bark that sheds in patches to reveal fresh cream, grey and tan tones beneath, adding year-round interest.
Where does Water Gum grow best in Australia?
Water Gum thrives across NSW, QLD, VIC and SA, tolerating coastal exposure, urban pollution, and a wide range of soils once established.
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum
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