Syzygium smithii
Lilly Pilly
Overview
Syzygium smithii is an evergreen shrub or tree, variable from a 3 m (10 ft) shrub to a 20 m (66 ft) tree depending on form and growing conditions. The glossy leaves are 3-10 cm (1-4 in) long, opposite, and aromatic when crushed, emerging pink to coppery before maturing deep green. Clusters of small, fluffy cream to white flowers with prominent stamens appear in spring and summer, followed by rounded berries 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) across in shades of white, pink, mauve, or purple that persist into autumn and winter. The edible berries have a crisp, slightly sour flesh and are taken by birds. It occurs naturally in rainforest, gallery forest, and the margins of moist eucalypt forest, and tolerates a range of soils provided moisture is adequate. Widely planted as a clipped hedge or screen, it can be affected by pimple psyllid, which raises bumps on new foliage, and it needs regular watering during establishment and in dry spells to keep the canopy dense.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Victoria through New South Wales to Queensland, where it grows in and along the margins of rainforest and moist forest.Suggested Uses
Widely used as a hedge, screen, or windbreak, and as a clipped feature or topiary in formal gardens. Also grown as a specimen shade tree where space allows and in large containers. Suited to coastal and urban gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 66'
Width/Spread10' - 26'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to whiteFoliage Description
glossy deep green, pink to coppery when youngGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Grows in full sun to partial shade on moist, free-draining soils rich in organic matter, with a pH of about 5.5-7.0. Regular watering supports establishment and keeps foliage dense, though established plants tolerate short dry periods. An annual application of mulch and balanced fertiliser maintains vigour and leaf colour. Pimple psyllid can disfigure new growth, and psyllid-resistant selections reduce this problem. It tolerates light frost once established, while young plants are frost-sensitive. Coastal positions are tolerated with some wind protection when young.Pruning
Responds well to regular clipping and can be trimmed two or three times a year for a formal hedge or screen. Pruning after each flush of new growth produces the densest habit. Hard renovation pruning into older wood is tolerated and resprouts readily.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
springsummerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons