- Mature height
- 6m to 10m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 1m to 2m
Syzygium australe 'Pinnacle' is a narrow, columnar selection of the Australian native lilly pilly. Small glossy leaves are packed densely along upright stems, giving a slim vertical line with very little sideways bulk. New growth flushes bronze before hardening to deep green, and fluffy white flowers follow in summer.
It holds a width of only 1 to 2 metres while reaching around 6 to 10 metres tall, growing 40 to 70 centimetres a year. Full sun through to part shade both work. It handles light frost, urban conditions and dry spells once established, and prefers soil that drains freely.
This is the plant for narrow beds, boundaries between houses, driveway edges and screening along fence lines where a normal hedge will not fit. It also takes clipping well for topiary and formal shapes. Where space is tight and privacy is the brief, few natives do the job with less pruning.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Pinnacle Lilly Pilly
What is Pinnacle Lilly Pilly?
It is a cultivated form of Syzygium australe, the brush cherry, selected for an unusually narrow, upright habit. Where the species spreads into a broad shrub or tree, 'Pinnacle' stays columnar with dense small foliage from the ground up. It is evergreen, Australian native, and widely used where screening is needed in a narrow footprint.
How wide does Pinnacle grow?
Width settles at about 1 to 2 metres, which is the whole reason for growing it. Height reaches roughly 6 to 10 metres if left alone, and it can be topped at any point without losing density. That combination lets it screen an upper storey window from a garden bed barely a metre wide.
How far apart should I plant Pinnacle for a hedge?
For a dense informal screen, plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart. For a tighter formal hedge, 80 centimetres apart gives faster closure and a solid face. As a single feature or accent, allow 3 to 4 metres so the full form shows. Spacing closer than 80 centimetres is unnecessary and only crowds the roots.
How fast does it grow?
Around 40 to 70 centimetres a year, which is moderate for a lilly pilly. Plants put on height faster than width, so a screen fills upward before it thickens. Regular water and a spring feed through the first two years make a noticeable difference. Growth slows once the plant reaches the height you trim it to.
Can it grow in pots?
Yes. The narrow habit suits large pots, planter boxes and rooftop terraces well. Use a container at least 50 centimetres across and deep, with a quality free draining mix, and expect a mature height nearer 2 to 3 metres than full size. Potted plants need consistent water and a slow release fertiliser twice a year.
Is it resistant to psyllid?
'Pinnacle' has good resistance to psyllid, the sap sucking insect that causes pimpling and distortion on older lilly pilly types. It is not completely immune, and soft new growth on stressed plants can still be attacked. Keeping plants well watered and avoiding heavy nitrogen feeding reduces the risk, and affected tips can simply be trimmed off.
How do I prune and care for Pinnacle?
Trim two or three times through the growing season to keep the face tight, cutting just into the current season's growth. Water deeply through the first two summers and mulch the root zone. Feed in spring with a controlled release native fertiliser. Established plants tolerate dry spells, though a hedge under stress thins out and looks patchy.