Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly

Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’, commonly called Plum Magic Lilly Pilly, is a compact evergreen shrub to small tree grown for its colourful new foliage and dense habit. Young leaves emerge rich plum-purple before maturing to glossy green, creating year-round contrast. During summer, clusters of fluffy white flowers appear, followed by small pink to red berries that attract birds. Typically, plants reach 3–4 metres in height and 1.5–2 metres in width, making them suitable for both hedging and small feature use.

This variety has a moderate growth rate and is well suited to a wide range of soil types provided drainage is good. It is highly adaptable, performing well in full sun to part shade, and is noted for its tolerance of pruning, making it ideal for formal or informal hedges. Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ is evergreen, low maintenance, and resilient once established. It shows moderate tolerance to light frost and drought.

They look excellent when planted as dense hedges, used as screening plants, or positioned as small feature trees in gardens, courtyards, and streetscapes. The colourful flushes of new growth also make them effective for creating foliage contrast in mixed plantings.

Common Name: Plum Magic Lilly Pilly

Genus: Syzygium

Botanical Species: Syzygium australe

Family: Myrtaceae

Botanical Name: Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’

• 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.

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

Mature Height: 3–4 metres

Mature Width: 1.5–2 metres

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

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

They are considered to have a:

• Medium Growth Rate

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.

• 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 ‘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

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.

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.

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

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

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?

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.