Quick Care Snapshot
Light
Full sun to part shade
Tip: More sun = denser growth, better flowering
Water
Regular watering needed
Tip: Deep water 2–3 times/week in establishment (first 8–12 weeks)
Growth Rate
Fast to moderate
Tip: Expect 30–100cm per year depending on variety and conditions
Mature Size
2–8m tall
Tip: Check the tag: some dwarf forms stay under 1m
Pruning
2–3 times per year
Tip: Light and frequent is better than heavy once-a-year cuts
Soil
Well-drained preferred
Tip: Improve clay with compost; raise beds if drainage is poor
Hedge Use
Excellent
Tip: One of the most popular hedging plants in Australia
Fruit
Edible
Tip: Magenta or purple berries; use in jams or eat fresh
Choose Your Goal
Find the right information for your situation
Privacy Hedge
Dense screening for fences and boundaries
Jump to section ↓Coastal Screening
Wind and salt tolerance for seaside gardens
Jump to section ↓Small Courtyard
Compact and dwarf varieties for tight spaces
Read guide →Low Maintenance
Tough plants that handle some neglect
Read guide →Problem-Solving
Psyllid, myrtle rust, yellow leaves
Read guide →What is Lilly Pilly?
Lilly pilly is a common name for several Australian native plant species, primarily from the Syzygium, Waterhousea, and Acmena genera. These evergreen shrubs and small trees are widely used in home gardens for hedges, screens, and ornamental features. They produce glossy foliage, fluffy white or cream flowers, and colourful magenta to purple berries.
Popular in both residential and commercial landscapes across Australia, lilly pillies are valued for their fast growth, dense foliage, and adaptability to various conditions. The fruit is edible and often used in jams, chutneys, and sauces, or eaten fresh.
Some people spell it differently; this site uses "lilly pilly" consistently.
Varieties & Uses Overview
Different varieties suit different purposes. Use this table to match your goal to a plant type.
| Use Case | Typical Height | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Formal hedge | 1–3m (pruned) | Regular pruning needed |
| Privacy screen | 3–8m | Moderate; shape control optional |
| Coastal screening | 2–5m | Moderate; salt-tolerant varieties |
| Small courtyard | Under 1m (dwarf) | Lower maintenance |
| Ornamental specimen | 4–10m | Lower; pruning optional |
Not sure which variety to choose?
Our decision guide walks you through the key factors: space, climate, soil, and maintenance preferences.
Try the Lilly Pilly Selector →Care Basics
Follow these steps for healthy, established lilly pillies in Australian conditions.
1Planting
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Position the plant at the same depth it was in the container. Backfill with soil mixed with compost.
Establishment: Water daily for the first 1–2 weeks, then every 2–3 days for the next 6–10 weeks.
2Watering
Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong roots. After establishment, most lilly pillies need watering 1–2 times per week in dry periods.
Heatwaves: Increase watering frequency. Apply mulch to retain moisture. Check your local council / local water restrictions.
3Fertilising
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring and early autumn. Native plant fertilisers are suitable.
Tip: Avoid over-fertilising, which can promote soft psyllid-prone growth. Follow product instructions.
4Pruning
For hedges, prune lightly 2–3 times per year. The main prune is after flowering in spring. Light, frequent trims work better than heavy cuts.
Frost warning: Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn in frost-prone areas; new growth may be damaged.
5Pests
The most common pest is psyllid, which causes bubbly bumps on new leaves. Monitor in spring and summer, remove affected growth promptly.
Prevention: Good airflow, appropriate fertilising, and encouraging beneficial insects help reduce problems.
6Soil & Drainage
Lilly pillies prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They tolerate a range of soils but struggle in waterlogged conditions.
Clay soils: Improve with gypsum and compost. Consider raised beds or mounds if drainage is poor.
Detailed guide: Read the full planting and care guide →
Visual ID: What It Looks Like
Recognise key features at different stages
Leaf
Glossy, lance-shaped leaves
💡 New growth is often bronze or red-toned
Flower
Fluffy white or cream flowers
💡 Usually appears in spring to early summer
Fruit
Magenta to purple berries
💡 Edible and often used in jams; can stain paths
Hedge Form
Dense, responsive to pruning
💡 Regular light pruning maintains shape and density
New Growth
Bronze, red, or pink tips
💡 Protect new growth from psyllid in active seasons
Bark
Smooth to slightly fibrous
💡 Varies by variety; some have attractive coppery tones
Images are representative. Appearance varies by variety and growing conditions.
Cheat Sheets
Hedge Spacing Guide
Space plants according to your target hedge height. Closer spacing fills in faster.
| Target Hedge Height | Recommended Spacing |
|---|---|
| Low hedge (under 1m) | 0.5–0.8m apart |
| Medium hedge (1–2m) | 0.8–1.2m apart |
| Tall hedge (2–4m) | 1–1.5m apart |
| Screen (4m+) | 1.5–2m apart |
Tip: For faster fill, plant at the closer end of the range. Check your variety's expected mature width.
Pruning Calendar
Light, frequent pruning keeps hedges dense and tidy. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn.
| Season | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Spring (Sept–Nov) | Main prune after flowering; shape new growth |
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Light trim to maintain shape; watch for psyllid |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Gentle tidy only; avoid hard cuts |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Minimal pruning; structural cuts if needed |
Tip: In frost-prone areas, delay heavy pruning until frost risk has passed.
Need more detail? See full hedge spacing & pruning guide →
Common Problems
Quick reference for the most frequently seen issues
Leaves Yellowing
- •Nutrient deficiency (often nitrogen or iron)
- •Poor drainage or "wet feet"
- •Heat or water stress
What to do: Check soil moisture, improve drainage if needed, and apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring. Avoid overwatering.
Psyllid (Pimples)
- •Small insect causing bubbly bumps on new leaves
- •Most active in spring–summer
- •Can stunt new growth
What to do: Promptly remove and dispose of affected growth. Encourage beneficial insects. For severe infestations, consider horticultural oil or appropriate pest control, following label instructions.
Myrtle Rust
- •Fungal disease showing yellow-orange pustules
- •Spreads in warm, humid conditions
- •Affects new growth
What to do: Remove affected material and dispose of it (don't compost). Avoid overhead watering. Improve airflow around plants. Note: Notify local authorities if required in your area.
This is general guidance only. Check with your local nursery or agriculture department for region-specific advice.
Need more detail? See full pests & diseases guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common lilly pilly questions
Yes, lilly pilly fruit is edible. The magenta to purple berries can be eaten fresh, used in jams, chutneys, or sauces. flavour varies between varieties — some are sweet and tart, others more bland. Wash before eating.
More In-Depth Guides
Explore each topic in detail
Can You Eat Lilly Pilly Fruit?
Edibility, taste, uses, and safety
Read guide →Lilly Pilly Negatives & Problems
Drawbacks and issues to be aware of
Read guide →Are Lilly Pilly Roots Invasive?
Root systems and safety for structures
Read guide →Hedge Spacing & Pruning Guide
Planting distances and pruning schedule
Read guide →Best Lilly Pilly Varieties
Comparing popular options for different needs
Read guide →How to Grow Lilly Pilly
Step-by-step planting and care guide
Read guide →Lilly Pilly Berries: Facts & Uses
All about the fruit and culinary uses
Read guide →Pests & Diseases
Psyllid, myrtle rust, and more
Read guide →Pruning Calendar
Season-by-season pruning guide
Read guide →Watering Guide
How much and how often to water
Read guide →Coming Soon
Lilly Pilly for Coastal Gardens
Salt and wind tolerance, seaside tips
Coming soonPsyllid Treatment (Australia)
AU-specific advice for psyllid control
Coming soonMyrtle Rust in Australia
Identification, reporting, and management
Coming soonEach page follows a consistent guide template with quick definitions, checklists, troubleshooting, and FAQs.