Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly

Syzygium australe is a hardy choice for landscapers seeking a tree with year-round visual interest and low maintenance needs. Its ability to form dense screens makes it ideal for privacy hedges, while its ornamental flowers and fruits add aesthetic value to any garden setting. Additionally, its drought tolerance once established and its attractiveness to birds enhance its ecological benefits.

Optimal Soil Conditions

• Rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
• Ideal balance between moisture retention and drainage for healthy growth.

Sandy Soils

• Offer excellent drainage, crucial for root health.
• Mix in plenty of organic matter to improve nutrient and moisture retention.
• Increase watering frequency, as sandy soils dry out quickly.

Clay Soils

• Naturally nutrient-rich and moisture-retentive.
• Amend with gypsum and organic matter to improve drainage.
• Consider raised beds or mounded planting to enhance drainage.

Loamy Soils

• Ideal for Lilly Pillies, balancing moisture retention and drainage.
• Enhance annually with organic compost to maintain fertility.
• Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Chalky Soils

• Typically well-draining and may be alkaline.
• Enrich with organic matter to improve fertility and moisture retention.
• Add elemental sulfur if necessary to adjust soil pH to more suitable levels.
• May require more frequent irrigation due to quick drainage.

pH Preferences

• Prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0).
• Test soil pH and adjust to enhance nutrient availability and plant health.

General Planting Tips

• Ensure soil is loose and friable to encourage root expansion.
• Incorporate slow-release fertilizer at planting for a healthy start.
• Regularly check soil moisture and pH, adjusting care as needed.

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a site that receives full sun to part shade. The more sun, the better the flowering and fruiting, but the plant can tolerate some shade.
2. Prepare the Soil: Syzygium australe prefers well-drained soil. If planting in an area with heavy clay or poor drainage, amend the soil with compost and a well-draining medium like sand or fine gravel to improve soil structure and drainage.
3. Digging the Hole: The hole should be twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. This allows the roots to spread easily and establish quickly.
4. Planting: Remove the plant from its container and gently tease out the roots if they are densely packed. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, gently firming down the soil to eliminate air pockets.
5. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and help reduce transplant shock. Provide regular watering during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
6. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plant to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup that could cause decay.

• Watering: Once established, Syzygium australe is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from regular watering during extended periods of dry weather. During the growing season, ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
• Pruning: Prune annually to maintain the desired shape and size. Regular pruning also encourages denser growth, which is ideal for hedging purposes. It is best to prune after the flowering period to promote new growth and flowering the next season.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and enhance flowering and fruiting. Ensure the fertilizer is suitable for native Australian plants, as Syzygium australe can be sensitive to high phosphorus levels.
• Pest Management: Regularly inspect the plant for signs of psyllid damage. If pests are present, consider using a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as a treatment. Choosing resistant cultivars like 'Resilience' can also help minimize issues.

Q: How resistant is Syzygium australe to pests?
A: It is prone to attacks by psyllids, which cause pimple-like wounds on the leaves. Some cultivars, such as 'ST2' and 'Resilience', are bred for resistance to these pests.

Q: Can the fruit be used for any other purposes besides making jam?
A: While primarily used for jam due to its size and taste, the fruit also serves as a decorative element and a food source for wildlife.

Q: What are the best conditions for flowering and fruiting?
A: Syzygium australe flowers and fruits best in full sun to part shade and requires regular pruning after flowering to promote heavy blooming in the following season.