IN THIS ARTICLE
Overview
Lilly Pilly plants are celebrated for their dense foliage, attractive new growth, and versatility in landscape design. Establishing a thriving Lilly Pilly hedge can transform your garden into an inviting oasis.
Choosing the right Lilly Pilly variety ensures that it meets your hedge requirements and thrives in your garden.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider and highlight the main varieties to help you establish a successful, thriving Lilly Pilly hedge.
Lilly Pilly Plants
Lilly Pilly plants belong to the Myrtle family and are divided into three main groups: Syzygium, Acmena, and Waterhousea. Each group offers unique characteristics that can influence your choice for hedging.
- Syzygium: Known for glossy leaves and vibrant berries, Syzygium species are popular plants used in standard formal hedging.
- Acmena: These species have smaller foliage and are appreciated for their dense growth habit.
- Waterhousea: Characterised by an elegant, weeping habit, it is ideal for less formal and more substantial hedge designs.
Key factors to consider
Climate
Before deciding on a Lilly Pilly hedge, the most important thing to consider is your local climate conditions, including temperature ranges, humidity, and frost occurrence.
Lilly Pilly naturally thrives in rainforests, riverbanks, coastal and subcoastal regions of tropical, subtropical, and temperate eastern Australia.
Mature, established Lilly Pilly can withstand drought, while some cultivars can be more or less resilient than others. Regardless of its hardiness, Lilly Pilly performs best in a moist environment with moderate to high humidity.
The other factor to consider is the site. If your planting area is fully exposed to harsh sun and dry winds, it will be harder to establish a lush Lilly Pilly hedge.
Also, while some Lilly Pilly cultivars are better at tackling light frosts, most do not tolerate frost very well. New growth is especially prone to frost damage. Syzygium and Waterhousia are generally less frost-tolerant than Acmena.
Soil
Soil is a critical factor for a lush Lilly Pilly Hedge. Lilly Pilly thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, so long as they are well-drained.
Lilly Pilly plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils, but can tolerate alkaline soils. They flourish on moist, fertile, nutrient-rich soils. With this, they don’t do well on poor and infertile soils, unlike many other no-fuss native hedge plants.
If your soil is nutrient-poor, amend it with abundant organic matter. Break up heavy clay with gypsum and compost to improve soil quality.
If your soil is too hard to work with, a raised garden bed supplemented with fresh, good-quality soil can be a good alternative.
Mature size
Determine the desired height and width of your Lilly Pilly hedge.
- Small and compact varieties (< 2 m): Ideal for a low hedge, border or boundary.
- Medium varieties (2 – 6 m): Suitable for a privacy screen.
- Tall varieties (> 6 m): Perfect for a tall screen or windbreak.
Selecting the Lilly Pilly variety that grows to the right height and width will save you a lot of maintenance effort. Different varieties always aim to achieve their ultimate dimensions in favourable growing conditions.
Foliage characteristics
The colour, size, and density of foliage can significantly impact the visual appeal of your Lilly Pilly hedge. Some varieties offer vibrant new growth or unique leaf colours.
- Colour variations: Some lilly pillies exhibit new growth in bronze, orange, red, or lime green, adding seasonal interest.
- Leaf size: Smaller leaves often contribute to a denser appearance, which is desirable for formal hedges.
Psyllid resistance
Psyllids are common pests affecting Lilly Pilly, causing unsightly leaf bumps and affecting overall health and appearance. If your local area is affected by psyllid, choosing psyllid-resistant varieties can ensure the performance and health of your hedge.
Maintenance requirements
Consider how much time and effort are required in pruning and general upkeep, including watering and fertilisation.
Some varieties grow much faster than others and may require two trims a year. Regular pruning can stimulate growth and further enhance the appearance of your Lilly Pilly hedge.
Hedging Lilly Pilly varieties
Selecting the appropriate Lilly Pilly variety ensures the plant thrives in your garden and fulfils its intended purpose. Lilly Pilly plants vary in size, growth habits, and features.
If you aim to establish a hedge of a particular height, choosing a cultivar that naturally grows to or near that size can minimise maintenance effort later on and prevent the hedge from expanding year after year.
You can create a sustainable Lilly Pilly hedge by selecting the most suitable variety that aligns with your garden’s conditions and aesthetic goals.
Small varieties
| Size (w x h) | Psyllid | New growth | Special feature | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Allyn Magic’ | 0.8 m x 0.8 m | Resistant | Light bronze | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Minipilly’ | 2 m x 2 m | Resistant | Bronze | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Moonlight Flame’ | 0.7 m x 1 m | Resistant | Coral copper | Variegated foliage |
| Acmena smithii ‘Slim Jim’ | 0.8 m x 2 m | Resistant | Bronze | Upright, narrow |
| Acmena smithii ‘Forest Flame’ | 1.5 m x 2 m | Resistant | Bright red | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Orange Crush’ | 1 m x 2 m | Resistant | Orange red | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Baby Lilly’ | 2 m x 2 m | Resistant | Bronze red | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Tiny Trev’ | 1 m x 1 m | Rarely affected | Orange red | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Aussie Boomer’ | 1.5 m x 2 m | Susceptible | Bronze | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Toffee Apple’ | 1.5 m x 2 m | Susceptible | Dark red | |
| Syzygium luehmannii ‘Royal Flame’ | 2 m x 2 m | Resistant | Pale pink | |
| Syzygium paniculatum ‘Lilliput’ | 2 m x 2 m | Susceptible | Pink red |
Medium varieties
| Size (w x h) | Psyllid | New growth | Special feature | |
| Acmena smithii | 3 m x 6 m | Rarely affected | Bronze | |
| Acmena smithii var. minor | 2 m x 4 m | Resistant | Bronze | Dwarf Lilly Pilly |
| Acmena smithii ‘Cherry Surprise’ | 1.5 m x 3 m | Resistant | Cherry red | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Red Head’ | 2 m x 4 m | Resistant | Deep red | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Sublime’ | 3 m x 5 m | Resistant | Lime green | Lime foliage |
| Acmena smithii ‘Fire Screen’ | 2 m x 4 m | Resistant | Coppery red | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Hot Flush’ | 1.5 x 3 m | Resistant | Red | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Purple Rain’ | 2 m x 3 m | Resistant | Purple magenta | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Cherry Black’ | 2 m x 3 m | Resistant | Dark cherry red | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Pencil Red’ | 1.5 m x 3 m | Resistant | Bright red | Upright shoots |
| Acmena smithii ‘Long Island’ | 1.5 m x 4 m | Resistant | Red bronze | |
| Acmena ‘Goodbye Neighbours’ | 2 m x 6 m | Resistant | Bronze | |
| Syzygium ‘Cascade’ | 2 m x 3 m | Resistant | Red pink | Pink fluffy blooms, weeping foliage |
| Syzygium australe ‘Crimson Lights’ | 1.5 m x 3 m | Susceptible | Bright red | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Red Cliffs’ | 2 m x 4 m | Susceptible | Coppery red | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Hinterland Gold’ | 2 m x 4 m | Susceptible | Bronze | Gold foliage |
| Syzygium australe ‘Resilience’ | 3 m x 5 m | Resistant | Coppery red | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Winter Lights’ | 3 m x 5 m | Resistant | Red bronze | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Big Red’ | 3 m x 4 m | Susceptible | Bright red | Larger leaves |
| Syzygium australe ‘Aussie Southern’ | 2 m x 5 m | Susceptible | Orange | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Aussie Compact’ | 3 m x 4 m | Susceptible | Red bronze | |
| Sygyzium australe ‘Up and Away’ | 1.5 m x 4 m | Susceptible | Coppery red | Columnar habit |
| Syzygium australe ‘Silver Streaker’ | 2 m x 4 m | Resistant | Coppery red | Variegated foliage |
| Syzygium australe ‘Sunset Delight’ | 1 m x 2.5 m | Susceptible | Orange | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Bush Christmas’ | 1.5 m x 3 m | Susceptible | Coppery orange | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Cinnamon Twist’ | 1.5 m x 3 m | Susceptible | Cinnamon | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Orange Twist’ | 1 m x 3 m | Susceptible | Orange | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Elite’ | 3 m x 5 m | Susceptible | Orange bronze | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Select Form’ | 2 m x 5 m | Resistant | Bronze | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Cheetah’ | 4 m x 6 m | Susceptible | Red | Fast growing |
| Syzygium australe ‘Cherry Bomb’ | 2 m x 5 m | Susceptible | Cherry red | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Plum Magic’ | 2 m x 6 m | Resistant | Burgundy red | |
| Syzygium paniculatum ‘Backyard Bliss’ | 1.5 m x 4 m | Resistant | Light bronze | |
| Syzygium paniculatum ‘Superior’ | 3 m x 3 m | Resistant | Coppery | |
| Syzygium luehmannii ‘Lulu’ | 2 m x 4 m | Resistant | Pink bronze | Weeping foliage |
| Syzygium ‘Express’ | 2.5 m x 4 m | Susceptible | Orange copper |
Tall varieties
| Size (w x h) | Psyllid | New growth | Special feature | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Sunrise’ | 4 m x 7 m | Resistant | Red orange | |
| Acmena smithii ‘Green Screen’ | 2 m x 7 m | Resistant | Bronze | |
| Acmena hemilampra | 3 m x 8 m | Resistant | Orange pink | |
| Syzygium australe ‘Pinnacle’ | 1.5 m x 8 m | Susceptible | Red brown | Columnar habit |
| Syzygium australe ‘Straight and Narrow’ | 1 m x 7 m | Resistant | Coppery | Columnar habit |
| Syzygium luehmannii | 4 m x 12 m | Resistant | Bright pink | |
| Syzygium paniculatum | 6 m x 12 m | Susceptible | Red bronze | |
| Waterhousea floribunda | 7 m x 12 m | Susceptible | Pale pink | Weeping foliage |
Planting tips
Establishing a thriving Lilly Pilly hedge requires attention to planting techniques and ongoing maintenance. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your hedge flourishes.
Soil preparation
Lilly Pilly plants prefer well-drained soils enriched with organic matter. Before planting, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enhance fertility and structure. Amend heavy soil with gypsum to reduce compaction, so it drains well.
Planting distance
To establish a dense Lilly Pilly hedge, space plants approximately 60 – 80 cm apart. This spacing allows the plants to grow together seamlessly, forming a continuous barrier quickly.
A practical approach is to space plants at one-third of the desired hedge height. For instance, for a 2.1-meter tall hedge, position plants 70 cm apart.
Planting procedures
- Timing: The best time to plant a Lilly Pilly hedge is spring or autumn, when the weather is mild.
- Digging holes: Create planting holes twice the width of the pot size. Dig a little deeper and backfill with high-quality, enriched soil to kickstart plant growth.
- Positioning: Gently tease roots before planting to encourage outward growth. Place each plant in its hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfilling: Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and provide initial moisture.
- Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, around the base of the plants. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Wind protection: For top-heavy plants, staking can prevent wind damage and help them develop strong roots to achieve robust growth.
Maintenance
- Watering schedule: Newly planted Lilly Pilly requires consistent moisture. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, to encourage deep root development.
- Fertilisation: Fertilise your Lilly Pilly hedge in early spring and again in late summer to promote vigorous growth.
- Pruning: Regular pruning encourages a dense, bushy hedge. Lightly prune or trim at least once a year or after each growth flush. Pruning is a way to rejuvenate and promote growth and should be implemented as soon as plants become dense.
Final thoughts
Selecting the right Lilly Pilly variety and implementing proper planting and maintenance practices are crucial in establishing a robust and attractive hedge.
By considering factors such as soil preparation, spacing, watering, and pruning, you can create a Lilly Pilly hedge that enhances your landscape and provides functional benefits such as privacy screening.
Regular attention to pest and disease management will further ensure the longevity and vitality of your hedge.
