Syzygium floribundum
weeping lilli pilli
Overview
Syzygium floribundum is an evergreen tree in the family Myrtaceae, widely grown under the name weeping lilly pilly. In rainforest it can reach 50-100 feet (15-30 m), but in gardens it usually forms a dense, rounded to weeping canopy 13-33 feet (4-10 m) tall. The glossy lance-shaped leaves are 2-4.7 inch (5-12 cm) long and hang from slender, pendulous branchlets; new growth flushes pink to pale bronze before turning deep green. In summer the tree carries masses of small fluffy white flowers about 0.4 inch (1 cm) across, made up mainly of slender stamens, followed by rounded green to whitish berries 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) wide. The berries are edible but sharp and largely seed. Syzygium floribundum grows naturally along rainforest streams and is suited to deep, moist, fertile soil; it is sensitive to hard frost and to extended drought when young. It can be left to grow as a large weeping tree or clipped as a tall hedge or screen, and the dense canopy casts heavy shade beneath it.
Native Range
Syzygium floribundum is native to eastern Australia, from coastal and subcoastal Queensland into north-eastern New South Wales. It grows in and along the margins of subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest, typically beside streams and on moist alluvial flats.Suggested Uses
Used as a tall screen, hedge, windbreak, and shade or specimen tree in larger gardens and parks. The weeping habit suits planting beside water and in moist, sheltered settings, and the dense canopy screens boundaries through the year.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height13' - 33'
Width/Spread13' - 26'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in summer, around December to February in its native range. The small white flowers are made up largely of slender stamens and draw bees and other insects. Green to whitish berries ripen from late summer into autumn and are taken by birds.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy deep green; pink to bronze new growthGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Syzygium floribundum in full sun to part shade on deep, moist, well-structured soil with reliable moisture. It tolerates wet ground and short flooding but is slowed by extended drought, especially before it is established. Water regularly through the first few summers and during dry spells thereafter. It performs in frost-free to lightly frosted climates and is damaged by hard freezes when young. Apply a balanced or native-suitable fertiliser in spring to support dense growth. Psyllids cause some pimpling of the new leaves but are usually a minor issue on this species.Pruning
Clip as a hedge or screen from spring to early autumn while the plant is in active growth, cutting lightly and often for a dense surface. Left unpruned, it develops into a large weeping tree with a rounded crown. Crossing or storm-damaged limbs can be removed in late winter to maintain a clear framework.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
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A
S
O
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D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons