Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly
Most loved for its vibrant plum-coloured new foliage and compact, dense growth habit perfect for hedging.
Regular price
$130.00
Sale price
$130.00
Regular price
Tax included.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
- Current height guide
- Please enquire
- Pot size
- 30cm/33cm
Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.
Height guide & disclaimer
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 must confirm 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.
Quantity
Couldn't load pickup availability
About this tree
About this tree
- Mature height
- 3m to 4m
- Mature width
- 1.5m to 2m
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.
Mature height & width
Mature height & width
- Mature height
- 3m to 4m
- Mature width
- 1.5m to 2m
Pot sizes & dimensions
Pot sizes & dimensions
| Pot / bag size | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 30cm Pot | 33cm | 30cm |
| 40cm/45L Pot | 44cm | 41.5cm |
| 50cm Pot / 70L Pot | 55cm | 41.8cm |
| 100L Bag | 50.6cm | 52.8cm |
| 150L Bag | 66cm | 55cm |
| 200L Bag | 71.5cm | 60.5cm |
| 300L Bag | 88cm | 63.8cm |
| 400L Bag | 99cm | 66cm |
| 500L Bag | 122cm | 66cm |
| 750L Bag | 134cm | 69cm |
| 1000L Bag | 146.3cm | 71.5cm |
| 2000L Bag | 176cm | 82.5cm |
General planting reference from our existing size guide. Actual containers can vary by supplier and batch; confirm exact dimensions if required.
Delivery & pickup
Delivery & pickup
Trade enquiries
Trade enquiries
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.
Freight estimate
Based on the items currently in your cart.
Final delivery cost is confirmed at checkout using your full address.
Not sure how many trees you need?
Plan your hedge
Enter the length of your boundary, then choose how closely you want to plant.
Enter your boundary length to see how many trees you need.
Measure only the boundary you intend to plant—exclude gates and gaps. Spacing is centre to centre. Quantities are rounded up for one row, allowing roughly half the spacing at each end. Site conditions and pruning affect the final hedge.
About Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’
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.
- Foliage
Evergreen (foliage year round)
- Position
- Form
- Use
- Mature height
- 3m to 4m
- Mature width
- 1.5m to 2m
Planting Information
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your 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).
Long Term Care For Your Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly
Planting Your Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly in Different Soil
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly works in an:
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:
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?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
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:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare sizes side by side
30cm/33cm
Enquire for current heights
40cm/45L
Approx. 0.9m – 1.3m
100L
Enquire for current heights
Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.
Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ is loved for its vibrant plum-coloured new foliage and compact, dense growth habit perfect for hedging.
We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.
Plant Your Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly With:
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
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.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
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.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Ligularia reniformis
Ligularia reniformis
Ligularia reniformis carries enormous glossy kidney-shaped leaves that give a shaded garden the bold tropical texture usually only available in full sun. The Tractor Seat Plant is grown for foliage first, with tall stems of bright yellow daisy flowers through summer as a bonus.
Ligularia reniformis forms a clump 0.6 to 1 metre tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide, spreading slowly at 10 to 20 centimetres per year. That steady habit makes it reliable as a mass underplanting beneath established trees, an edging along a shaded path, or a single specimen in a large pot.
This is a full shade plant. It wants consistent moisture and protection from hot afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves, and it is frost sensitive, so in cold districts it needs a protected position. Given shade and water it is close to maintenance free.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Ligularia reniformis
How big does Ligularia reniformis grow?
It forms a clump 0.6 to 1 metre tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide. The individual leaves can reach 40 centimetres across, which is where the bold texture comes from.
Why is it called the Tractor Seat Plant?
The common name comes from the large round kidney-shaped leaves, which resemble the seat of an old tractor. The botanical name reniformis means kidney-shaped.
Does Ligularia reniformis need shade?
Yes. It performs best in full shade and will scorch in hot afternoon sun. It is one of the most useful foliage plants available for genuinely dark positions.
When does it flower?
Tall stems of bright yellow daisy-like flowers rise well above the foliage through summer. The foliage remains the main feature for the rest of the year.
Is Ligularia reniformis frost tolerant?
No. It is frost sensitive and may be damaged by frost. In cold districts plant it in a protected position, or grow it in a pot that can be moved under cover.
How much water does it need?
It wants consistently moist soil and does not tolerate drying out. Mulch well and water regularly through summer, particularly in pots and under established trees where roots compete.
How far apart should I plant it for a mass planting?
Plant 0.8 to 1 metre apart for a continuous shaded groundcover mass. Closer spacing fills in faster but the clumps will crowd within a few seasons.
Ligularia reniformis
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls are pre-clipped formal evergreen specimens, available in three mature sizes and ready to place. The tight, fine, dark green foliage holds a precise rounded form year-round and gives the classic formal topiary look that no other Buxus replicates. As one of our most consistently strong-selling products, our English Box topiary balls are well-shaped, well-rooted, and arrive in proportion to the pot size.
English Box performs best in cool to temperate climates and is slow growing at around 15 to 25 cm per year in good conditions, which is exactly why it holds sharp formal shapes so well. It thrives in full sun to part shade with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil, and is frost hardy, drought tolerant once established, and excellent in containers. Two light clips per year, in spring and again in late summer, keep the ball form crisp.
Use them flanking entrances, lining formal pathways, anchoring symmetrical garden beds, defining parterre and knot gardens, and in pairs in classic urns and decorative pots at front doors. Buxus sempervirens is the original topiary plant and remains the benchmark for traditional and contemporary formal design, with a level of finesse and density that fast-growing alternatives cannot replicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
What size are the English Box topiary balls when they arrive?
Our English Box topiary balls arrive pre-clipped and ready to place at the size you order. The 30cm/33cm pots have ball diameters of approximately 30 to 45 cm, the 40cm/45L pots have ball diameters of 40 to 55 cm, and the 50cm/75L pots have ball diameters of 50 to 70 cm. They are well-rooted and in proportion to the pot.
How fast does Buxus sempervirens grow?
English Box is slow-growing, adding approximately 15 to 25 cm per year once established in good conditions. This slow growth rate is one of the reasons it holds sharp formal shapes so well, and why mature pre-clipped specimens command a premium over seedling-grown stock.
What is the difference between English Box, Japanese Box, and Shaggy Box?
English Box (Buxus sempervirens) has the smallest, finest leaves and the tightest formal texture, ideal for traditional parterres and clipped balls. Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla japonica) has slightly larger leaves, grows faster, and handles heat better. Shaggy Box (Buxus bodinieri) has soft, rounded leaves, much better blight resistance, and is the best choice for humid subtropical climates where English Box can struggle.
Where does English Box grow best in Australia?
English Box performs best in cool to temperate regions including Victoria, the ACT, the NSW Southern Highlands and Central Tablelands, Tasmania, and the elevated parts of South Australia and Western Australia. In humid coastal or hot subtropical regions, consider Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box or Japanese Box instead for better long-term performance.
How do I prune English Box topiary balls?
Lightly clip in spring and again in late summer or early autumn to maintain the ball shape. Avoid pruning in the heat of summer or during frost periods. Use sharp shears for the cleanest formal finish, and step back regularly to check the symmetry of the form.
Can English Box grow in pots?
Yes. English Box is the classic potted topiary plant and pre-clipped balls look particularly striking in pairs at entrances and on terraces. Use a minimum 30L pot for the 30cm/33cm size and scale up from there, with a quality potting mix and a slow-release fertiliser applied twice yearly.
Is English Box susceptible to disease?
English Box can be affected by box blight, particularly in humid conditions where foliage stays wet. To reduce risk, ensure good air circulation around each plant, avoid overhead watering, and prune to maintain airflow through the canopy. In high-humidity regions, Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box is a more disease-resistant alternative.
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen' carries small shimmering silver-green leaves on near-black stems, giving a light airy screen that moves in the wind rather than reading as a solid green wall. It is one of the most widely specified screening plants in Australian landscape design for exactly that reason.
'Silver Sheen' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall but only 1.5 to 2 metres wide at 30 to 60 centimetres per year, which makes it a genuine solution for narrow beds along fence lines and between buildings where height is needed but width is not available. Small cream flowers appear in spring and are lightly fragrant.
'Silver Sheen' grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates light to moderate frost once established, performing from subtropical Queensland through Sydney, Melbourne, Gippsland and Adelaide. It clips well, holds density under regular trimming, and is equally effective as a formal hedge or a loose screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
How tall does Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' grow?
'Silver Sheen' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall and only 1.5 to 2 metres wide, which makes it one of the best options for narrow screening where a tall hedge is needed in a shallow bed.
How fast does 'Silver Sheen' grow?
It grows at 30 to 60 centimetres per year once established, reaching a usable screening height within three to four years with regular water and feeding.
How narrow can I keep 'Silver Sheen'?
It naturally holds to 1.5 to 2 metres wide and can be trimmed to under a metre with regular clipping, which is why it is so often used in tight side-boundary positions.
How far apart should I plant 'Silver Sheen' for a hedge?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge. Closer spacing fills in faster but needs more trimming.
Is 'Silver Sheen' frost tolerant?
'Silver Sheen' handles light to moderate frost once established. Young plants benefit from protection through their first winter in colder inland districts.
Does 'Silver Sheen' grow in shade?
Yes. It performs in full sun through to part shade. In shadier positions growth is slightly more open, which suits a softer informal screen.
Where does 'Silver Sheen' grow best in Australia?
It performs from subtropical Queensland through Northern NSW, Sydney, the South Coast and tablelands, Melbourne and surrounds, the Western District, Gippsland and Adelaide.
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Grevillea x 'Moonlight'
Grevillea x 'Moonlight'
Grevillea x 'Moonlight' carries very large creamy-white toothbrush flower spikes almost continuously through the year, each one up to 20 centimetres long and heavily worked by honeyeaters. Few native shrubs flower this hard for this long.
'Moonlight' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall but only around 2 metres wide at 20 to 40 centimetres per year, giving a tall narrow frame clothed in fine silver-green divided foliage. That upright habit suits narrow garden beds, screening along a fence line, or a single feature in a large pot.
This Australian native grows in full sun to part shade, tolerates light to moderate frost once established, and is highly drought tolerant. It needs free-draining soil and low-phosphorus feeding, and rewards a light prune after each main flowering flush with denser growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Grevillea 'Moonlight'
How tall does Grevillea 'Moonlight' grow?
'Moonlight' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall and only around 2 metres wide, giving an unusually tall narrow form for a grevillea. It suits narrow beds and screening positions.
When does Grevillea 'Moonlight' flower?
'Moonlight' flowers close to year round, with the heaviest flushes in spring and autumn. The large creamy-white toothbrush spikes can reach 20 centimetres long.
Does 'Moonlight' attract birds?
Yes. The nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds, and the dense fine foliage provides shelter for smaller species.
How fast does 'Moonlight' grow?
It grows at a moderate 20 to 40 centimetres per year, reaching a usable screening height within four to five years in a warm free-draining position.
What soil and feeding does 'Moonlight' need?
It requires free-draining soil and will not tolerate waterlogging. Use only low-phosphorus native fertiliser, as grevilleas and other Proteaceae are damaged by high-phosphorus formulations.
Is Grevillea 'Moonlight' drought tolerant?
Yes. Once established it is highly drought tolerant and needs only occasional deep watering through extended dry spells.
Should I prune 'Moonlight'?
Yes. A light prune after each main flowering flush keeps the plant dense and prevents it becoming leggy at the base. Avoid cutting back hard into bare old wood.
Grevillea x 'Moonlight'
Melaleuca nesophila
Melaleuca nesophila
Melaleuca nesophila, the Showy Honey Myrtle, is an evergreen Australian native shrub to small tree from the south coast of Western Australia. Fine grey green foliage sits on a dense rounded frame over papery bark, and mauve to pink pom pom flowers cover the outer growth through spring and summer.
Mature width is 2 to 4 metres, with height usually settling around 3 to 5 metres, and growth of 30 to 60 centimetres a year. It wants full sun and takes sand, limestone, gravel and moderately heavy soils. Salt wind, drought and light to moderate frost are all handled once the roots are down.
This is a screening and hedging plant first, used along boundaries, on coastal blocks and through council road reserves where conditions are hard and maintenance budgets are thin. Space it at 1 to 1.5 metres for an informal screen. It gives colour, density and habitat value from one low input plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Showy Honey Myrtle
What is Melaleuca nesophila?
Melaleuca nesophila, or Showy Honey Myrtle, is an evergreen Australian native shrub to small tree from southern Western Australia. It has fine grey green foliage, a dense rounded habit and soft papery bark, and carries mauve to pink pom pom flowers through spring and summer that age to a soft grey.
How big does Showy Honey Myrtle grow?
It spreads 2 to 4 metres wide and generally reaches 3 to 5 metres tall in a garden, though regular trimming will hold it lower. Growth is moderate to fast at around 30 to 60 centimetres a year, so a screen planted from advanced stock closes over within three or four seasons.
How far apart should I plant it for a hedge or screen?
For a dense informal screen, plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart. For a tighter formal hedge, bring that in to 80 centimetres. As a feature tree, allow 3 to 4 metres so the full canopy and form can develop, or 3 metres apart along an avenue for a uniform, soft textured line.
Is it suitable for coastal positions?
Yes, it is one of the better coastal Melaleucas. It tolerates salt laden wind, sandy and limestone soils, and exposed front line positions once established, which is why it is planted so widely along the southern coastline. In very exposed sites it will lean with the prevailing wind, and most people like the result.
When does it flower?
The main flush runs through spring and into summer, roughly September to January. Flowers open mauve to purple pink in dense rounded heads across the outer foliage, then age to grey and stay on the plant. Bees and honeyeaters work it heavily while it is out, so expect plenty of activity.
Is it frost tolerant?
It handles light to moderate frost once established, which covers most coastal and near coastal parts of southern Australia. Young plants are more vulnerable in their first winter, so plant in autumn or early spring and keep them out of low frost hollows. Hard, repeated inland frost will burn new growth.
How do I prune and care for Showy Honey Myrtle?
Tip prune after flowering to keep it dense and stop the base going bare. It takes a hard cut back if it becomes leggy, though remove no more than about a third at a time. Water through the first summer, then it is largely self sufficient. Use a low phosphorus native fertiliser in spring on poor soils.
Melaleuca nesophila
Correa alba White Correa
Correa alba White Correa
Correa alba, the White Correa, is a compact evergreen Australian native grown for soft felted grey-green leaves and small white star flowers. The flowers come through autumn and winter, when little else is out.
It forms a dense rounded shrub 1 to 2 metres tall and wide. That habit suits low informal hedges, borders, mass planting and underplanting beneath taller trees, and it takes clipping well enough to hold a formal shape.
It is one of the most salt tolerant shrubs in the trade, growing wild on exposed headlands and dunes from New South Wales through Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Salt wind, sand and poor soil are its normal conditions. Add drought and light frost tolerance and it is the obvious choice for a beachfront garden where Buxus and Lilly Pilly burn.
We carry it in two forms. The natural form is supplied unshaped, for hedging, borders and mass planting. The Ball Form is the same plant clipped into a formal sphere over several seasons and arrives finished. Salt tolerant formal topiary is rare, so a native ball does what Buxus cannot in a coastal garden, and two light clips a year hold the shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Correa alba White Correa
How big does Correa alba grow?
1 to 2 metres tall and wide as a natural rounded shrub, putting on 30 to 60 centimetres a year. A clipped ball stays at whatever size you trim it to, usually held between 50 and 80 centimetres across.
What is the difference between the natural form and the Ball Form?
Same plant, different training. The natural form is supplied unshaped, for a hedge, border, mass planting or an informal rounded shrub. The Ball Form is grown on and clipped over several seasons into a formal sphere, and arrives finished rather than as something you shape yourself.
Why choose a Correa ball over a Buxus ball?
Salt and drought. Buxus wants moisture and shelter and burns in exposed coastal positions. Correa alba comes off the headlands and handles salt wind, sand and dry spells. The foliage is grey-green rather than dark glossy green, and it flowers, which Buxus does not usefully.
When does it flower?
Small white star flowers appear from autumn through winter into spring, heaviest over the cooler months. That timing feeds honeyeaters and native bees when little else is in bloom. On clipped balls, trim after the main flush so you do not remove the display.
How salt tolerant is it?
It is among the most salt tolerant native shrubs available and grows naturally on exposed cliffs and dunes. Sandy free draining soil and salt spray are its normal conditions. Drainage matters far more to it than soil richness.
How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?
60 to 80 centimetres apart for a low informal hedge, or 1 metre apart for mass planting where each plant keeps its own rounded shape. Balls repeated down a path sit well at 1 to 1.5 metres apart.
Is it suitable for pots?
Yes, and the Ball Form in a container suits an entrance, courtyard or balcony. Use a pot at least 40 centimetres across with a free draining mix, and never let it stand in a saucer of water.
How do I care for it?
Water through the first two summers, then only in prolonged dry spells. Feed once in spring with a low phosphorus native fertiliser, as correas belong to the citrus family and resent high phosphorus blends. Trim lightly after flowering for a natural shrub, or twice a year taking only soft new growth to hold a ball.
Correa alba White Correa
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Balls' is Star Jasmine grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere. The small glossy leaves sit tight on a woody framework, holding a clean rounded outline year round. White pinwheel flowers open in spring and carry a strong sweet scent right across a courtyard.
Ball specimens hold at about 1 to 1.5 metres tall and wide with light clipping. Full sun to part shade suits them, in any free draining soil. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year. They handle coastal exposure, light frost and dry spells once the roots are down.
Repeat them along a driveway, either side of an entry, or in pots on a terrace where a formal shape is wanted straight away. They read as structure in a planting scheme without the height of a hedge, and because the form is already trained, a new garden looks settled from the day it goes in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Star Jasmine Balls
What are Star Jasmine Balls?
They are Trachelospermum jasminoides, the common Star Jasmine, grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere on a woody framework. Instead of climbing, the plant is trained into a self supporting rounded shape. The foliage is small, glossy and dark green, and the plant carries scented white flowers through spring.
How big do Star Jasmine Balls grow?
They hold at roughly 1 to 1.5 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year, so a light clip once or twice a year keeps the ball tight at whatever size within that range suits the setting.
Do Star Jasmine Balls need sun or shade?
Full sun to part shade both work. Full sun gives the densest foliage and the heaviest flowering, while part shade produces slightly softer, more open growth and fewer flowers. Avoid deep shade, where the ball thins out and loses its outline. Morning sun with afternoon protection suits hot inland gardens.
Can Star Jasmine Balls be grown in pots?
Yes, and pots are one of the main uses. A container 50 to 60 centimetres wide with a quality free draining mix will hold a ball for years. Water more often than you would in the ground, especially in summer, and feed in spring and again in late summer. Refresh the mix every few years.
Are Star Jasmine Balls evergreen?
Yes, the foliage is held year round. The glossy dark green leaves take on a bronze tinge in cold weather and green up again in spring, but the plant never goes bare. That is what makes it useful as permanent structure in a scheme, particularly in winter once perennials have died back.
When do Star Jasmine Balls flower?
Flowering runs through spring, roughly September to November, and often carries into early summer in warmer districts. The white pinwheel flowers are small but produced in quantity, and the scent is strong on still evenings. Flowering is heaviest on plants in full sun that were not clipped hard just before bud set.
How do I prune and care for Star Jasmine Balls?
Clip lightly with hedging shears once after flowering and again in late summer if needed, taking only the new growth to keep the outline crisp. Water deeply in dry weather, mulch the base, and feed in early spring. The sap is milky and can irritate skin, so wear gloves when trimming.
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Evergreen Trees Direct Has Been Featured In:
Perfect Substitutes for Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ – Plum Magic Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Hinterland Gold' - Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Hinterland Gold' - Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Hinterland Gold' is an Australian native lilly pilly grown for its vivid golden-yellow new foliage, which lifts the whole plant every time it flushes and settles to deep green as it matures. The colour contrast between new and old growth gives a hedge far more depth than a plain green screen.
'Hinterland Gold' reaches 4 to 6 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide with a naturally dense columnar habit, growing 50 to 80 centimetres per year. White fluffy flowers appear in summer and are followed by ornamental berries. The narrow footprint suits boundary lines, driveway borders and windbreaks where width is limited.
'Hinterland Gold' grows well from tropical Queensland through to Melbourne, Gippsland and Adelaide, in full sun or part shade. It tolerates light to moderate frost once established, takes hard trimming without thinning out, and performs reliably in large pots as well as in the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Syzygium australe 'Hinterland Gold'
How tall does Syzygium australe 'Hinterland Gold' grow?
'Hinterland Gold' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide unpruned. It is commonly held at 2 to 4 metres as a hedge, and its narrow habit means it needs less width than most screening lilly pillies.
What makes the foliage golden?
New growth emerges bright golden-yellow before hardening to deep glossy green. Flushes occur through the warmer months, and each trim triggers another, so a regularly clipped hedge carries gold colour for most of the year.
How fast does 'Hinterland Gold' grow?
It grows at a moderate to fast 50 to 80 centimetres per year once established, forming a usable screen within two to three years with regular water and feeding.
How far apart should I plant 'Hinterland Gold'?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tight formal hedge. As a feature or avenue planting allow 3 metres.
Does 'Hinterland Gold' flower?
Yes. Fluffy white flowers appear through summer, followed by small ornamental berries. The flowers attract bees and native pollinators.
Can 'Hinterland Gold' be grown in pots?
Yes. Its compact narrow habit makes it one of the better lilly pillies for large pots on balconies, courtyards and terraces. Use a quality potting mix and water consistently through summer.
Where does 'Hinterland Gold' grow best in Australia?
It performs from tropical and subtropical Queensland through Northern NSW, Sydney, the South Coast and tablelands, Melbourne and surrounds, Gippsland, the Western District and Adelaide.
Syzygium australe 'Hinterland Gold' - Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' is one of the most widely planted lilly pilly cultivars in New South Wales and Queensland, valued for its pest resistance, dense foliage, and dependable performance. The glossy deep green leaves and striking red to copper new growth give it year-round colour and a thick, bushy habit.
Resilience grows to 4-6 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide, and is most commonly maintained as a 1.5-4 metre clipped hedge. The fast growth, dense canopy, and excellent response to pruning make it a top choice for privacy screening, formal and informal hedges, and fast-establishing boundary planting.
Its key advantage is psyllid resistance: where older Syzygium varieties are disfigured by pimple-like pest damage, 'Resilience' holds clean, unblemished foliage without chemical treatment. It thrives in full sun to part shade, tolerates drought once established, and produces fluffy white summer flowers followed by berries that attract native birds.
The 50cm Tall Square Form is the same cultivar grown on and pre-clipped to a squared upright panel. It is the shortcut to an instant formal hedge: set the units side by side and the line closes immediately, with none of the two or three seasons a shrub-form hedge takes to knit together.
Which form do you need? The 30cm, 40cm, 50cm, 100L and 200L sizes are the natural bushy form, supplied as shrubs for screens and hedges you clip yourself. The 50cm Tall Square Form arrives already clipped as a squared panel for an instant formal line. For the same cultivar trained as a clipped lollipop on a clear trunk, see the Syzygium 'Resilience' Standard, or as a clipped cone, the Resilience Cones.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
What is the Tall Square Form?
It is the same 'Resilience' cultivar grown on and pre-clipped into a squared upright panel rather than a bushy shrub. Placed side by side, the units give a finished formal hedge on the day they go in. It costs more than the shrub form because the clipping and the growing-on time are already done for you.
How tall does Syzygium 'Resilience' grow?
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' grows to 4-6 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide, and is most commonly maintained as a 1.5-4 metre clipped hedge.
How fast does Resilience grow?
Resilience is fast-growing, adding 60cm to 1 metre per year once established, making it one of the quickest hedges to fill in.
Is Syzygium 'Resilience' psyllid resistant?
Yes. 'Resilience' is a psyllid-resistant lilly pilly cultivar, which is the main reason it outperforms older Syzygium varieties and holds clean, unblemished foliage.
Is Resilience good for hedging and screening?
Yes. Resilience is one of the most popular hedging and screening lilly pillies in NSW and QLD, valued for its dense growth, glossy foliage, and excellent response to pruning.
How far apart should I plant Resilience for a hedge?
Plant 60-80cm apart for a dense formal hedge, or 1 metre for a more relaxed screen. Tall Square Form units are placed edge to edge, so the line is closed from day one.
Is Resilience an Australian native?
Yes. Syzygium australe is an Australian native, and 'Resilience' is a selected cultivar valued for its psyllid resistance and compact growth.
Where does Resilience grow best in Australia?
Resilience thrives across most Australian climates, performing best in temperate to subtropical regions. It is drought tolerant once established and attracts native birds.
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Straight & Narrow' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Straight & Narrow' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Straight and Narrow' (PBR SAN01) is a tightly columnar evergreen Lilly Pilly, designed for high-density hedging and narrow planting spaces. Its slim form, reaching 5-8m tall but only 1-1.5m wide, is perfect for modern gardens where space is limited but vertical structure is desired.
They look excellent when used as a striking vertical screen or boundary hedge, providing year-round greenery with rich mid to dark green foliage and attractive reddish-bronze new growth. Summer fluffy white flowers and bird-attracting edible berries add seasonal interest.
For a polished effect, plant in rows spaced 80cm to 1.2m apart and maintain with annual or biannual pruning to keep the clean, architectural shape. 'Straight and Narrow' thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts well to well-drained soils. Its psyllid resistance and tolerance to urban conditions make it a reliable, low-maintenance choice for compact and contemporary landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Syzygium australe 'Straight & Narrow' Lilly Pilly
How tall does Straight & Narrow grow?
Straight & Narrow grows to 5-8 metres tall but only 1-1.5 metres wide, making it one of the narrowest lilly pilly cultivars available.
How wide does Straight & Narrow get?
It stays just 1-1.5 metres wide at maturity, making it ideal for narrow garden beds, tight boundaries, and small spaces where wider lilly pillies would be too bulky.
Is Straight & Narrow psyllid resistant?
Yes. Straight & Narrow shows good psyllid resistance, making it more reliable than older Syzygium cultivars across Australian gardens.
How fast does Straight & Narrow grow?
Straight & Narrow is fast-growing, adding 50-80cm per year once established in good conditions.
How far apart should I plant Straight & Narrow for a hedge?
Plant 80cm-1.2 metres apart for a continuous columnar screen.
Can Straight & Narrow grow in pots?
Yes. Its slim profile makes it an excellent pot plant for balconies, courtyards, and tight outdoor spaces. Use a minimum 50L pot with regular watering.
Does Straight & Narrow tolerate frost?
Straight & Narrow has moderate frost tolerance and copes with light or occasional frosts once established. Young plants are the most vulnerable, so in colder inland districts give them a sheltered position and protect them through their first couple of winters. Where frosts are heavy or prolonged, a hardier evergreen screen is the safer choice.
Syzygium australe 'Straight & Narrow' Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Minor'
Acmena smithii 'Minor'
Acmena smithii 'Minor', also listed as Syzygium smithii 'Minor', is a compact evergreen shrub with small glossy leaves and dense branching to ground level. New growth opens bronze red and matures to deep green. Small white flowers appear sporadically through the warmer months, followed by white to pale mauve berries.
It suits full sun or part shade and accepts most soils, from sandy loam to improved clay, as long as drainage is adequate. Growth is 40 to 70 centimetres a year, moderate to fast. It handles light to moderate frost once established, becomes drought tolerant with age and resists psyllid attack.
The small leaf and modest size make it a good low hedge, at 80 centimetres apart for a clipped face or 1 to 1.5 metres for a looser screen. It works in narrow beds, along fence lines and in large pots. Councils use it where a native screen must stay under 4 metres.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Minor Lilly Pilly
What is Acmena smithii 'Minor'?
Minor is a compact form of the Australian native lilly pilly, also listed as Syzygium smithii Minor. It has small glossy leaves, dense branching to ground level and bronze red new growth that matures to deep green. Small white flowers appear sporadically in the warmer months, followed by white to pale mauve berries.
How big does Acmena smithii 'Minor' grow?
Left unclipped it reaches 3 to 4 metres in height and 2 to 2.5 metres across. Trimmed, it is easily maintained as a hedge between 1 and 2.5 metres. The small leaf size means it takes a clipped face neatly, which larger leaved lilly pillies struggle to do without looking chopped.
How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?
Plant 80 centimetres apart for a tight formal hedge, or 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen. In an avenue or as spaced specimens, allow 3 metres. Closer spacing closes the gaps within a season or two, but the row needs consistent watering and feeding to keep every plant even.
Is Acmena smithii 'Minor' frost tolerant?
It handles light to moderate frost once established, which covers most temperate districts. Young plants are more vulnerable, so protect them through the first winter in frost prone areas and avoid planting into open hollows where cold air settles. Frost burnt tips can be trimmed off in spring and regrow quickly.
Can it be grown in pots?
Yes, it is one of the more reliable native shrubs for large containers and works either as a clipped ball or as a screening plant on a balcony or terrace. Use a pot at least 500 millimetres wide with a premium potting mix, water regularly and feed each spring. Refresh the mix every few years.
Does it attract birds?
Yes. The white flowers bring in native bees and other insects, and the berries that follow are taken by small birds. The dense low branching also provides shelter and nesting cover, which is why it is specified in council and rural biodiversity plantings as well as in straight screening work.
How do I prune and care for Acmena smithii 'Minor'?
Trim lightly two or three times a year through the warmer months to keep the face dense and to encourage coloured new growth. Feed in spring with a low phosphorus native fertiliser. Water regularly through the first summer and mulch well. Avoid cutting hard into old bare wood, which is slow to reshoot.
Acmena smithii 'Minor'
Follow Us On Instagram
@evergreentreesdirect ↗
Tips & Tricks
Best Trees for Creating a Privacy Screen: 10 Picks Across Fast Formal, Native and Narrow Column Options
Read the story
How to Incorporate Trees into Your Modern Landscape Design
Read the story
The Importance of Root Health: How to Choose Quality Trees
Read the story
