SYZYGIUMS PROFILE SHEET

Syzygiums are probably best known for their use as a reliable hedging/screening . Commonly known as Lilly Pillys, these native evergreen produce fluffy cream-white in spring and summer that turn to fleshy purple berries after flowering. They produce foliage from quite low on the main stem.

Lilly Pillys have been formerly classified under several botanic names in the past - , and . Very recently botanists have classified them all under one - Syzygium. However most people are still only aware of the original names, so we have used those below.

USES: Syzygiums can be used as a hedge or screen, as a topiary feature or as a potted plant in landscapes, and can be easily clipped into neat shrubs.

PLANTING TIPS: Plant in well drained soil with some added organic matter. Saturaid can be scattered across where the root ball is after planting, to help water get to the root system, particularly in sandy soils.

SOIL TYPE: Well drained soil.

ASPECT: Prefer a sunny open spot but will tolerate light shade. Reasonably frost tolerant, some varieties more than others. If planted in full sun, will produce more intense colour in their new growth which is often bronze or red.

PRUNING: Syzygiums respond well to pruning which will give them a denser habit. They can be pruned in early spring and after flowering to promote new growth and to shape. If you don’t want the berries that form after flowering, trim off the buds before they’re about to flower.

WATER: Water well to establish. Once established Syzygiums are quite hardy. Some varieties need a bit more moisture in the hotter periods to perform at their best.

FEEDING: Fertilise in spring with a good slow release fertiliser.

FLOWERS: Syzygiums produce fluffy white flowers in spring and summer. Flowers are followed by fleshy magenta coloured berries. (Waterhousia have white berries).

PESTS & PROBLEMS: Psyllids are a pest that is common to Lilly Pillys, causing a pimply surface on . To help prevent the spread of affected plants trim off affected growth and dispose of in green waste bin. We recommend selecting varieties that are psyllid resistant.

Syzygium Resilience – Resilience

Named ‘Resilience’ for its resistance to Psyllids, this Lilly Pilly is fantastic for screening. Height: 3-4m Width: 1m-2m Form: Rounded, evergreen Foliage: Green oval leaves with bronze coloured new growth.

Syzygium Hinterland Gold – Syzygium australe Hinterland Gold

This Syzygium has a more upright compact shape which makes it ideal when space is an issue. Its conical growth habit also makes it good for topiary specimens. Height: 3-4m Width: 1m Form: Conical shrub. Foliage: Glossy lime green oval leaves with copper coloured new growth.

Syzygium Elite – Syzygium australe Elite

A medium sized Lilly Pilly suitable for hedging and container planting. Psyllid resistant. Height: 3-4m Width: 2m-4m Form: Full upright shrub, will produce thicker coverage when pruned regularly. Foliage: Glossy dark green oval leaves with bronze coloured new growth.

Syzygium Superior – Syzygium australe Superior

An fast growing shrub providing an abundance of glossy green foliage making it a reliable privacy and sound barrier plant. Psyllid resistant. Height: 3m Width: 1m –1.5m Form: Becomes more conical in shape if left unpruned Foliage: Glossy lime green oval leaves with copper coloured new growth.

Call 1300 787 401 plantmark.com.au SYZYGIUMS PROFILE SHEET

Weeping Lilly Pilly –

A large native that can be used as a hedge in formal gardens, or kept to its natural shape as a medium sized tree. Height: 10m Width: 8m Form: Weeping habit Foliage: Long slender green leaves with bright pink new growth. New growth is sensitive to frost.

Acmena Cherry Surprise – Acmena smithii Cherry Surprise

Cherry Surprise makes a great low hedge, a neat potted plant, and is perfect for topiary. It has attractive bright red new growth. Psyllid resistant and salt tolerant. Height: 1.5m Width: 1m Form: Compact upright shrub. Foliage: Dark green leaves with bright red new growth.

Dwarf Lilly Pilly – Acmena smithii Minor

A neat compact Lilly Pilly that is great for small to medium sized hedges, topiary and pots. Psyllid resistant. Height: 3m Width: 1-1.5m Form: Compact upright shrub. Foliage: Small green leaves with bronze new growth.

Syzygium Backyard Bliss – Backyard Bliss

A bushy fast growing shrub that is perfect for hedging. Psyllid resistant. Minimal pruning required. Height: 3-4m Width: 1m Form: Upright shrub with slightly weeping branches Foliage: Lime green leaves with bronze new growth

Acmena Allyn Magic – Acmena smithii Allyn Magic

One of the smallest varieties of Lily Pillys available. Good for rockery gardens or small hedges. Height: 60cm-1m Width: 30cm-60cm Form: Compact native shrub Foliage: Rounded green leaves with bright copper coloured new growth

Syzygium Firescreen – Syzygium australe Firescreen (formerly Acmena smithii Firescreen)

A fast growing Lilly Pilly, fantastic for screening, which has stunning bright red new growth. Psyllid-free. Known as a fire retardant plant. Produces less berries than other Lilly Pillys making it a great pool side or deck plant. Height: 4m Width: 1.5m Form: Upright, evergreen shrub Foliage: Green oval leaves with bright red new growth. Syzygium Bush Christmas – Syzygium australe Bush Christmas

A dwarf form of Lily Pilly. Less frost tolerant than some other Lilly Pillys. Plant in full sun to get brighter colour on new growth. Height: 3-4m Width: 2m Form: Full rounded shrub Foliage: Glossy green leaves with bright red new growth.

Syzygium Big Red – Syzygium australe Big Red

Often used as a standard or in topiary due to its full bushy habit and stunning bright red new growth. Loves a good prune! Height: 3-4m Width: 2-2.5m Form: Full rounded shrub Foliage: Glossy dark green leaves with bright red new growth.

Call 1300 787 401 plantmark.com.au