Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly - Evergreen Trees Direct

Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly

Name: Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: SYZAUSLI100L
Price: 620.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$620.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 100L

100L

Current Stock Height Guides

100L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About 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.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

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

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m - 6m Approximately

Mature Width: 3 – 5 meters

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

Frost Tolerance

Is Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly frost tolerant?

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

Flowering Information

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.

Native Information

Is Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly an Australian Native? 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.

Wildlife Value

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.

Sunlight Information

Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

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.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Brush Cherry

Genus: Syzygium

Botanical Species: australe

Family: Myrtaceae

Botanical Name: Syzygium australe

Landscape Uses

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.

Planting, Spacing & Care

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Hedging & Screening: 1m spacing for dense hedge or up to 1.5m for more informal

Feature Tree: 2 – 4 meters

Avenue Planting: Not typically used as avenue planting

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.

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.

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

Fast Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

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

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Drought Tolerance

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.

Flowering Information

Does Syzygium australe - Lilly Pilly flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Fluffy

Flower Colour:

White

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Syzygium australe good for screening?
A: Yes, it’s ideal for dense evergreen screening, responds well to pruning, and has a fast growth habit.

Q: Does it produce edible fruit?
A: Yes, the pink to dark red berries are edible and attract wildlife.

Q: Is it resistant to psyllids?
A: Yes, Syzygium australe is generally psyllid-resistant, making it a reliable low-maintenance hedge or screen.

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