Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly

Syzygium australe—commonly known as Brush Cherry or Lilly Pilly—is a fast-growing, evergreen Australian native tree or large shrub valued for its dense, glossy green foliage and versatility in landscaping. It features attractive coppery red new growth, creamy white flowers in late spring to summer, and decorative pink to dark red edible berries, adding seasonal interest and wildlife value.

They look excellent when used as dense hedges, privacy screens, or formal shaped specimens. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts well to enriched, well-drained soils, tolerating coastal exposure, light frost, and moderate drought once established. Its tolerance to pruning and psyllid resistance make it ideal for low-maintenance urban gardens and commercial landscapes.

For enhanced visual impact, Syzygium australe hedges can be underplanted with shade-tolerant groundcovers or small flowering perennials to create layered, textural garden designs.

Common Name: Brush Cherry

Genus: Syzygium

Botanical Species: australe

Family: Myrtaceae

Botanical Name: Syzygium australe

• Screening or Privacy
• Shrubs
• Council or Civic Landscapes
• Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
• Windbreak
• Driveway Border

Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly works in an:

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

Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height: 4m - 6m Approximately

Mature Width: 3 – 5 meters

Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 70 cm/year. (Moderate).

Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 70 cm/year. (Moderate).

They are considered to have a:

• Fast Growth Rate

Is Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly frost tolerant?

Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

• Tropical QLD (Cairns, Townsville)
• Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
• Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
• Sydney & Central Coast
• South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
• Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
• Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
• Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
• Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
• Adelaide Metro & Coastal
• Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Syzygium australe produces clusters of small white, fluffy flowers during the warmer months, particularly in late spring and summer. These blooms are followed by glossy red berries that add subtle seasonal colour and contribute to the plant’s ornamental appeal, especially when used for hedging, screening or clipped forms.

Does Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly flower?

• Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

• Spring

Flower Type:

• Fluffy

Flower Colour:

White

Yes

Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly is Native to Eastern Australia, from Queensland to New South Wales, where it grows naturally in subtropical and coastal rainforests.

Its soft new growth and small white summer flowers attract native bees, hoverflies and other beneficial insects, while the dense evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds. The red berries that follow are also eaten by fruit-feeding birds, making Syzygium australe a strong biodiversity-supporting species for suburban gardens.

Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly will thrive best in:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Syzygium australe performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It also tolerates lighter sandy soils if improved with organic matter to enhance moisture retention and fertility. Avoid heavy clay, compacted or poorly drained sites unless significantly improved, as these conditions can lead to root stress and reduced vigour. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the plant matures.

Is Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it requires regular watering to establish properly. Once established, Syzygium australe develops good drought tolerance, maintaining dense foliage and strong growth through warm, dry periods when planted in well-drained soil. Occasional supplementary watering during extended heat supports long-term health and foliage quality.