Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly - Evergreen Trees Direct

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly

$40.00

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Size: 20cm

20cm 30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 100L

Current Stock Height Guides

30cm: Enquire within for height guide information.
100L: Enquire within for height guide information.

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 mustconfirm 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.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 4m

Mature Width: 1.5m to 2m

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions

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)

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Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New 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.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic 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.

Is Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly Evergreen or Deciduous?

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 4m

Mature Width: 1.5m to 2m

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Growth Rate of Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly

Is Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly frost tolerant?

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly Flower?

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ produces soft white, fluffy flowers in late spring and summer, sitting among its vibrant foliage. The blooms are followed by glossy pink to red berries that add seasonal colour and complement the plant’s attractive flushes of plum-toned new growth, giving it strong ornamental appeal throughout the year.

Does Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer

Flower Type:

Fluffy
Clustered

Flower Colour:

White

Is Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly is Native to Eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales, where Syzygium australe grows in coastal rainforests and along streams.

What is the Wildlife Value of Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly ?

Its soft new growth and summer flowering attract native bees, hoverflies and other beneficial pollinators, while the dense evergreen habit provides excellent shelter, protection and nesting sites for small birds. The berries that follow also support fruit-eating birds, making ‘Plum Magic’ a highly biodiverse and wildlife-friendly choice for suburban gardens.

How much Sunlight does Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly need?

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate coastal or lighter sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to improve fertility and moisture retention. Avoid heavy clay, compacted or waterlogged conditions unless significantly improved, as these can stress the root system and reduce growth. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the plant matures.

Is Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly Drought Tolerant?

Is Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it benefits from regular watering to establish thoroughly. Once established, Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ shows good drought tolerance, maintaining its dense form and vibrant foliage through warm, dry periods when planted in well-drained soil. Occasional supplementary watering during extended heat will help support long-term vigour and colour.

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How To Plant Your Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly

Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for psyllids or scale in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly in Different Soil

Syzygium australe performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall does Plum Magic grow?
A: Typically 3–4 metres tall with a width of 1.5–2 metres.

Q: Is it suitable for hedging?
A: Yes, it is highly suited for hedging and screening due to its dense growth.

Q: Does it tolerate frost?
A: It will tolerate light frosts once established but should be protected when young.

Q: Do the berries attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the small berries are eaten by birds and help support local biodiversity.

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Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly