If you're a gardening enthusiast or appreciate the beauty of native Australian plants, you're in for a treat. In this comprehensive Lilly Pilly guide, we take a closer look at some popular varieties, their features, and how they can enhance the beauty of your garden.
So, whether you're looking to create a stunning hedge, add color to your garden, or attract native wildlife, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose the perfect Lilly Pilly variety for your backyard or garden. Ready? Let's dive in.
About Lilly Pilly
Lilly Pilly plants, known botanically as Syzygium or Acmena species, share several common features that make them a star attraction in any garden. First, they are evergreen, ensuring a year-round display of vitality that injects an extra spark into your garden landscape. Their foliage is truly spectacular, featuring glossy leaves that come in various shades of green, ranging from vibrant lime to deep emerald tones.
These plants typically grow as small to medium-sized trees or shrubs, making them suitable for gardens with various dimensions. Lilly Pillies are particularly noted for their adaptability and robust nature, capable of flourishing in diverse Australian climates. Additionally, they are widely known for their green to white flowers and edible berries, which offer a tart taste with a colour range from white to pink or even red.
There are various Lilly Pilly varieties with peculiar properties. To make it easy to select the best variety for you, we grouped them according to regions and best use cases. There are varieties for the coastal regions, inland areas, topiary, and hedging. Let's explore them.
Lilly Pilly Varieties for Coastal Region
The coastal regions of Australia enjoy a milder climate compared to the inland areas due to their close proximity to the ocean. They tend to have cooler summers and warmer winters, with relatively higher humidity and more frequent rainfall. The following Lilly Pilly varieties are well suited for these regions.
Syzygium australe
Syzygium australe, commonly known as Brush Cherry and Creek Lilly Pilly is a favourite among Aussie gardeners. It features eye-catching glossy leaves and produces edible fruits. Cultivars like 'Aussie Boomer,' 'Tiny Trev,' and 'Hinterland Gold' offer unique characteristics such as compact growth, dense foliage, and new growth showcasing a golden hue.
Syzygium australe is also characterised by its glossy, dark green leaves that provide an excellent backdrop for its abundant clusters of small, fluffy white flowers. These flowers are followed by edible, berry-like fruits that are often deep red or purple in colour, adding further visual interest to the plant.
This Lilly Pilly variety can be used as a standalone specimen, hedging plant, screen, or topiary due to its dense growth habit and ability to be pruned and shaped. One other notable aspect of Syzygium australe is its attractiveness to native wildlife. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the fruits are a favorite food source for birds.
Acmena smithii 'Sublime'
'Sublime' is a cultivar of Acmena smithii, which stands out for its vibrant lime-green foliage and dense growth. This Lilly Pilly variety offers a refreshing burst of colour in the garden, creating a tropical feel. 'Sublime' is highly regarded for its tolerance to heat and humidity, making it suitable for coastal regions. Its compact habit and quick growth make it an ideal choice for hedging, while its attractive berries add extra visual interest.
One of the standout features of Acmena smithii 'Sublime' is its dense and bushy growth habit, which also makes it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or as a standalone ornamental shrub. The foliage of 'Sublime' is a rich, deep green, and its leaves are lance-shaped, creating a visually appealing backdrop for its captivating bursts of fresh growth.
When it comes to cultivation, 'Sublime' is relatively low-maintenance. It thrives in a wide range of climates and soil types, including coastal areas, and is tolerant of both full sun and partial shade. Regular pruning can help maintain its compact form and encourage dense growth.
Syzygium australe 'Aussie Southern'
Syzygium australe 'Aussie Southern' is a remarkable Lilly Pilly variety that thrives in the southern regions of Australia. This evergreen shrub or tree boasts dense foliage, making it an excellent choice for hedges and privacy screens. Its glossy, deep green leaves create a lush and verdant backdrop in the garden.
'Aussie Southern' is known for its compact growth habit, ideal for smaller garden spaces. This variety produces clusters of fluffy white flowers, followed by small, edible purple berries loved by birds. With its ability to tolerate coastal conditions and its resilience to pests and diseases, Syzygium australe 'Aussie Southern' is a popular choice for enhancing the beauty and privacy of gardens in southern Australia.
Lilly Pilly Varieties for Inland Areas
The inland areas of Australia have a more intense climate than the coastal parts. These areas tend to have semi-arid to arid climatic conditions. There is low rainfall and humidity for most parts of the year. Below are the Lilly Pilly varieties that best suit these areas.
Syzygium smithii
Commonly called the Lilly Pilly or Scrub Cherry, Syzygium smithii is a versatile variety known for its dense foliage and colourful berries. With cultivars like 'Allyn Magic,' 'Hot Flush,' and 'Firescreen,' you have options to choose from based on your preferences, whether it be vibrant foliage colours, compact growth, or resistance to pests.
During spring and summer, this Lilly Pilly variety produces clusters of small, fluffy white flowers that are followed by edible pink to red berries. These berries are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of native birds and wildlife to your garden. The Syzygium smithii responds well to pruning, making it easy to maintain and shape.
The Lilly Pilly variety also thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. With its attractive foliage, vibrant berries, and wildlife-friendly characteristics, the Syzygium smithii is a popular choice for both ornamental and functional purposes in Australian gardens.
Syzygium Winter Lights
Syzygium Winter Lights is a captivating Lilly Pilly variety that adds a touch of enchantment to any garden. With its dense, bushy growth and glossy, dark green leaves, it creates a lush and vibrant backdrop.
What sets Syzygium Winter Lights apart is its spectacular display of deep, fiery red new growth during the colder months, resembling flickering lights against the dark foliage. This striking contrast makes it a standout feature in the garden.
In addition to its ornamental value, it produces small, edible berries loved by birds. Syzygium Winter Lights is a dazzling choice for adding warmth and colour to the winter landscape. Also, it has feathery cream flowers.
Acmena Smithii ‘Minor’
Fondly referred to as ‘Dwarf Lilly Pilly’, Acmena Smithii 'Minor' is a popular variety of Lilly Pilly in Australia. It is an easy-to-manage variety with dense and compact foliage. The leaves are glossy and vibrant green in colour. Dwarf Lilly Pilly produces fluffy white flowers in the summer adding beauty to any garden. It bears small berries that start out green and mature to pretty crimson berries.
'Minor' is also highly valued for its versatility and suitability for various landscaping purposes. It is often used as a low hedge, border plant, or for topiary designs due to its dense foliage and ability to be pruned into desired shapes. This variety typically reaches a height of around 1 to 3 metres, making it ideal for smaller gardens or as a feature plant in larger landscapes.
Lilly Pilly Varieties for Hedging
Lilly Pilly varieties with dense foliage and compact growth are usually best for hedging, as you may have noticed from some options above. See below some of the best picks for hedging.
Syzygium luehmannii
Also recognised as Riberry or small leaf Lilly Pilly, Syzygium luehmannii is cherished for its bronze-coloured new growth and delicate blooms which adds a touch of elegance to any garden setting. Varieties like 'Royal Flame,' 'Cascade,' and 'Resilience' showcase different growth habits, ranging from compact to ‘weeping’, and offer beautiful red-tinged foliage alongside clusters of pinkish-red berries.
The red berries, small and elongated, are commonly referred to as Riberries, inspiring the name ‘Riberry’. The leaves of this variety are smaller than the other ones. Additionally, they possess compact and dense foliage, making them best for screen and hedging.
Syzygium luehmannii 'Sunset Delight'
'Sunset Delight' is a stunning cultivar of Syzygium luehmannii, known for its eye-catching foliage and ornamental appeal. Its glossy, dark green leaves with brilliant reddish-pink new growth create a picturesque display in any garden. 'Sunset Delight' is a versatile Lilly Pilly variety that can be used for hedging, screening, or as an attractive ornamental piece.
One of the standout features of 'Sunset Delight' is its ability to produce an abundance of fluffy white flowers during the summer months. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract native birds and insects, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
In terms of size, 'Sunset Delight' typically reaches a height of around 4-5 meters, making it an excellent choice for hedging or as a statement plant. It is relatively fast-growing and responds well to pruning, allowing you to shape it according to your desired aesthetic.
Syzygium australe 'Select Form'
'Select Form' is a select variety of Syzygium australe, known for its compact size and abundant foliage. This evergreen shrub showcases glossy, dark green leaves that provide a stunning backdrop to its abundant clusters of fluffy white flowers, which bloom in summer. Following the blooms, small, edible, deep red berries may appear, adding further visual interest to the plant.
Syzygium australe 'Select Form' is a versatile plant that can be used for hedging, topiary, or as an attractive specimen. The variety responds well to pruning and can be easily shaped to suit your desired aesthetic. With its ability to tolerate both full sun and part shade, as well as its resistance to pests and diseases, it's a reliable and low-maintenance choice to add beauty and privacy to your garden or outdoor space.
Lilly Pilly Varieties for Topiary
Sculpting and shaping living plants require skills, but having the right variety is very important. The variety must respond well to pruning and can be trained to various shapes. For Lilly Pillies, these are the selected varieties best for topiary.
Syzygium australe 'Elite'
Syzygium australe 'Elite', commonly known as Lilly Pilly 'Elite', has a compact evergreen shrub cherished for its glossy, dark green foliage and its ability to form a dense and lush hedge. The variety is highly valued for its versatility and adaptability, making it suitable for a range of garden styles and climates. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, and it thrives in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
One of the standout features of Syzygium australe 'Elite' is its attractive flushes of copper-coloured new growth, which eventually mature into deep green leaves. These leaves create a dense canopy that offers privacy and acts as a sound barrier, making it an excellent choice for hedging or screening purposes. In addition, Lilly Pilly 'Elite' produces small white flowers in summer, followed by vibrant edible berries that attract birds to your garden.
Syzygium australe 'Elite' is relatively low-maintenance and only requires regular pruning to maintain its desired shape or encourage dense growth.
Syzygium paniculatum ‘Backyard Bliss’
'Backyard Bliss', a variant of Syzygium paniculatum, is a delightful Lilly Pilly variety that adds a cheerful charm to any garden. With its compact and bushy growth habit, it is well-suited for smaller gardens or as a low hedge. Its glossy green foliage provides a stunning canvas for the remarkable flushes of vibrant coppery to pink new growth, offering a dash of colour to the landscape.
'Backyard Bliss' also produces small, edible, cherry-like berries that attract birds and wildlife. This versatile and charming Lilly Pilly variety is a delightful addition to Australian gardens, offering both aesthetic and ecological benefits.
Waterhousea floribunda
Waterhousea floribunda (Syzygium floribundum), commonly known as the Weeping Lilly Pilly or the Brush Cherry has elegant weeping foliage characterized by its glossy, dark green leaves, which have a lanceolate shape and a slightly wavy margin. The foliage forms a dense canopy that provides ample shade and privacy, making it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and windbreaks.
In the spring and summer months, this Lilly Pilly variety produces clusters of small, white, and fluffy flowers that emit a pleasant fragrance, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following the flowering period, the tree bears attractive purple berries, which are a favorite food source for birds.
The Waterhousea floribunda can reach a height of up to 15 metres and a spread of 8-10 metres. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular watering during the establishment period and occasional pruning to maintain its desired shape and size.
Syzygium wilsonii
Syzygium wilsonii, commonly known as Wilson's Lilly Pilly, is highly valued for its ornamental qualities, making it a popular choice in landscaping and garden designs. It features dense foliage, featuring glossy, dark green leaves that have an attractive reddish tint when young. The leaves are oval-shaped and arranged in an alternate fashion along the branches.
The tree can reach heights of up to 15 metres with a spread of about 8 metres. Syzygium wilsonii thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a sunny to partially shaded position. It is relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils, and is well-suited to both coastal and inland regions.
Choosing a Lilly Pilly Variety
When selecting a Lilly Pilly variety for your garden, there are several important factors to consider. Here is a 3-step process to help you decide:
Step 1: Climate adaptability
While Lilly Pilly plants generally tolerate a wide range of climates, it's important to ensure that the chosen variety is well-suited to the specific conditions in your area. Some varieties may thrive in coastal regions, while others may be better suited for inland or cooler climates. Research the recommended climate zones for each Lilly Pilly variety to ensure optimal growth and health.
Step 2: Size, aesthetics and growth habits
Similarly, take the size and growth habits of the Lilly Pilly variety into account to ensure it fits well within your garden space. Consider the mature height and spread of the plant, as well as its growth rate. This will help you determine if the variety is suitable for hedges, screening, or as a standalone feature.
Additionally, think about the desired aesthetic qualities of the plant, such as leaf colour and shape, as well as the flowering and fruiting characteristics. Different varieties offer variations in colours, an abundance of flowers, and the tastiness of fruits. Choose a variety that aligns with your visual preferences and desired garden style.
Step 3: Maintenance and pruning requirements
Maintenance and pruning requirements can vary among Lilly Pilly varieties, so it's essential to consider the level of attention and care each variety demands. Some varieties may require more frequent pruning to maintain their desired shape or to control their size.
Others may be more low-maintenance and require minimal pruning. Evaluate your willingness and ability to invest time in the care and maintenance of the chosen variety. This will ensure that you can effectively manage the plant and keep it healthy and thriving in your garden.
Uses of Lilly Pilly Varieties
Lilly Pilly varieties serve various purposes in Australian gardens, making them versatile and valuable additions. One of the common uses is for hedging and screening purposes. The dense foliage and compact growth of wide Lilly Pilly varieties make them ideal choices for creating privacy screens or defining garden boundaries.
Additionally, their vibrant foliage and attractive flowers make them excellent choices for garden beds and borders, adding a pop of colour and visual interest. Beyond aesthetics, Lilly Pilly plants also attract birds and wildlife, providing food and shelter for native species. Plus, many varieties produce edible fruits that can be used in jams, jellies, and other culinary delights.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Lilly Pilly Varieties
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the health and vitality of your plants. Here are key steps to plant and maintain Lilly Pilly varieties:
- Choose a location with well-drained soil and ample sunlight for optimal growth.
- Water the plants regularly, particularly during the establishment phase, and ensure they receive sufficient moisture during dry spells.
- Apply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season to support healthy growth.
- Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
- Prune the plants in the spring to maintain the desired shape and size.
- Regularly monitor for pests and diseases, and take immediate action if any issues arise.
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Common Pests and Diseases Affecting Lilly Pilly Varieties
While Lilly Pilly varieties are generally tolerant, they can still be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Common problems include psyllids, which cause unsightly leaf damage, and leaf-eating caterpillars which can defoliate the plants if left unchecked. Regular inspection and appropriate organic or chemical treatments can help manage these pests effectively.
Some common diseases that may affect Lilly Pilly plants include powdery mildew and sooty mould, which can impact the appearance of leaves and inhibit photosynthesis. Proper sanitation, good air circulation, and the use of fungicides when necessary can help prevent and control these diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Lilly pilly varieties.
Are Lilly Pilly plants native to Australia?
Yes, Lilly Pilly plants are native to Australia. They are found in the lush rainforests and coastal regions of the country. They are a part of the Myrtaceae family and are renowned for their glossy foliage, colourful berries, and adaptability to various garden settings.
How do Lilly Pilly plants contribute to Australian biodiversity?
Lilly Pilly plants enhance Australian biodiversity by serving as a habitat and food source for local wildlife. Their small, colourful, and often edible berries are particularly attractive to birds. Their dense foliage provides shelter for various creatures, contributing to the richness of the local ecosystem.
What kind of climate do Lilly Pilly plants prefer?
Lilly Pilly plants are quite versatile and can tolerate a range of climate conditions. However, they particularly thrive in warm, subtropical to tropical climates. They can adapt to various soil types and are often found in the rainforests and coastal regions of Australia.
How are Lilly Pilly plants used in Australian gardens?
In Australian gardens, Lilly Pilly plants are used for a variety of purposes. Thanks to their dense, evergreen foliage, they make excellent privacy screens or hedges. Their attractive flowers and berries add visual interest, making them suitable for ornamental planting. Furthermore, the edible berries of some Lilly Pilly varieties can be used in culinary creations.
Are Lilly Pilly plants suitable for small gardens?
Yes, many Lilly Pilly varieties are suitable for small gardens. With their compact growth habit and versatility in shaping, they can fit well into limited spaces. Varieties like 'Backyard Bliss' and 'Aussie Southern' are popular choices for small Australian gardens.
Embracing the Enchantment of Lilly Pilly in Australian Gardens
Lilly Pilly varieties offer an array of captivating features that can enhance the beauty of any Australian garden. From their glossy leaves and vibrant colours to their diverse growth habits and edible fruits, these plants provide endless possibilities for landscaping and design.
By considering the specific features, climate requirements, and maintenance needs of different Lilly Pilly varieties, you can choose the perfect plants to create privacy screens, add ornamental value, attract wildlife, and even enjoy their delicious fruits. So, explore the enchanting world of Lilly Pilly varieties and embrace their beauty in your garden.
