Huma Naveed
Syzygium Australe hedge. Commonly called Lilly Pilly, this native plant is one of Australia’s favourite choices for hedges, screening, and landscaping, and there are different Syzygium Australe Varieties, each with its own growth rate, height, colour, and resistance to pests.
And if you don’t want the hassle of trimming or dealing with psyllids, you can also go for artificial Syzygium Australe hedges — a no-fuss, always-green option.
Why Australians Love Syzygium Australe for Hedges
Before diving into the varieties, let’s see why Syzygium Australe hedges are so popular across Australian homes and offices:
- Fast growth → Many varieties grow quickly, giving instant coverage.
- Evergreen foliage → Stays lush and green year-round.
- Versatility → Works in small courtyards, suburban blocks, and acreage properties.
- Attractive new growth → Fresh flushes of red, bronze, or pink.
- Psyllid-resistant options → Some varieties are naturally resistant to the dreaded Lilly Pilly Psyllid.
- Australian native → Perfectly suited to local conditions.
👉 Whether natural or artificial, Syzygium Australe hedges tick all the boxes for privacy, beauty, and low maintenance.
Top Syzygium Australe Varieties in Australia (2025 Comparison)
Here’s a detailed comparison of the most popular Syzygium Australe varieties for hedges in Australian gardens.
Variety Growth Rate Height & Spread Psyllid Resistance Best For Pros Cons
Syzygium australe ‘Resilience’ Fast 3–5m tall High Tall privacy screens Strong, hardy, psyllid resistant Needs regular trimming
Syzygium australe ‘Bush Christmas’ Moderate 2–3m tall Moderate Small hedges & pots Compact, colourful new flush Slower growth
Syzygium australe ‘Select’ Fast 4–6m tall Low Large boundary screens Dense, tall, quick cover Prone to psyllid
Syzygium australe ‘Cascade’ Moderate 2–4m tall Moderate Decorative hedges Weeping habit, pink flush Needs shaping
Acmena smithii’ Minor’ (closely related) Moderate 2–4m tall Good Driveways, narrow spots Neat, small leaves Not as fast as Resilience
Waterhousea floribunda (Weeping Lilly Pilly) Fast 6–10m tall Low Acreage, windbreaks Tall, lush, elegant Too big for small yards.
Syzygium Australe’ Resilience’ – The Top Choice
If you ask most Aussie gardeners in 2025, they’ll tell you Resilience is the go-to variety.
- Growth rate: Fast, reaching up to 5m.
- Psyllid resistance: Excellent.
- Best for: Boundary hedges, tall privacy screens, and quick results.
Pros: Hardy, lush, reliable in most climates.
Cons: Needs trimming every few months to maintain its neat appearance.
👉 Among all Syzygium Australe varieties, Resilience is the safest pick for beginners.
Bush Christmas – Compact & Colourful
Perfect for smaller gardens or decorative hedging, Bush Christmas stays around 2–3m tall.
- Growth: Moderate, so less trimming is needed.
- Leaves: Glossy green with bright red new growth.
- Best for: Courtyards, patios, or as a feature hedge.
Pros: Compact size, festive colour flushes.
Cons: Not as fast as Resilience.
Select – Tall & Dense
For those who want a tall, dense hedge quickly, Select is an option.
- Growth: Fast, up to 6m.
- Best for: Large properties needing boundary screening.
- Drawback: Not psyllid resistant → requires regular pest management.
👉 If you don’t mind extra care, Select delivers impressive height.
Cascade – Ornamental Weeping Variety
Cascade is unique for its weeping branches and soft pink flushes.
- Height: 2–4m.
- Look: More ornamental than functional.
- Best for: Garden features or decorative screens.
Pros: Eye-catching, pretty foliage.
Cons: Needs shaping to avoid a messy appearance.
Acmena Minor – Neat & Narrow
Though technically not Syzygium Australe, Acmena smithii’ Minor’ is a close relative.
- Height: 2–4m.
- Best for: Driveways and narrow spaces.
- Leaves: Smaller and neater than other varieties.
👉 Perfect where space is tight.
Waterhousea floribunda – For Big Spaces
Known as Weeping Lilly Pilly, this is a giant hedge.
- Height: 6–10m.
- Best for: Acreage, farms, and windbreaks.
- Cons: Too big for suburban yards.
Psyllid Resistance in Syzygium Australe Varieties
One of the biggest headaches with real Lilly Pilly hedges is the Lilly Pilly Psyllid, which causes bumpy, distorted leaves.
- Resistant varieties: Resilience, Acmena Minor.
- Less resistant: Select, Cascade, Waterhousea.
👉 If you want zero pests, artificial Syzygium Australe hedges are the best solution.
Artificial Syzygium Australe Hedges – A No-Fuss Alternative
More Aussies are now choosing artificial Syzygium Australe hedges for privacy and style without the hassle.
Why go artificial?
- Instant greenery with no waiting for growth.
- No pests, no watering, no trimming.
- UV-protected panels are available in Australia.
- Long-lasting and cost-effective in the long run.
You’ll find artificial Syzygium Australe hedge panels at Bunnings, online stores, and garden suppliers across Australia.
Growth & Height Guide for Syzygium Australe Hedges
- Fast growers: Resilience, Select, Waterhousea.
- Compact: Bush Christmas, Cascade.
- Tallest: Select and Waterhousea.
👉 Artificial hedges? You get instant height — no waiting years.
Pros & Cons: Natural vs Artificial Syzygium Australe Hedges
Natural Hedges (Varieties like Resilience & Bush Christmas)
✅ Provide flowers and native habitat.
✅ Traditional garden feel.
❌ Need pruning, water, and pest control.
Artificial Hedges
✅ Instant greenery and privacy.
✅ No pests, no water, no trimming.
✅ UV protection keeps them fresh-looking.
❌ Higher upfront cost.
❌ No seasonal flowers or fragrance.
Which Syzygium Australe Variety or Hedge Is Right for You?
- Want low maintenance? → Artificial Syzygium Australe hedges.
- Small garden? → Bush Christmas or Cascade.
- Psyllid resistance needed? → Resilience or Acmena Minor.
- Tall privacy wall? → Select or Waterhousea.
- Decorative feature? → Cascade with its weeping form.
Final Thoughts for Australian Gardeners
Whether you choose natural Syzygium Australe varieties or go for artificial hedges, you’ll end up with a lush, green privacy screen that suits the Australian lifestyle.
- For speed & strength: Resilience is your best natural option.
- For no-fuss upkeep, Artificial Syzygium Australe hedges provide you with evergreen walls instantly.
- For Aussie backyards: Mix varieties or combine artificial panels with natives for a balanced, natural look.
In 2025, the smartest choice depends on your space, time, and budget — but either way, Syzygium Australe hedges remain the ultimate go-to for Australians.
Most Asked FAQs on Syzygium Australe (Australia 2025)
What is the best Syzygium Australe variety in Australia?
Resilience is the most popular due to its psyllid resistance and fast growth.
Are artificial Syzygium Australe hedges good for outdoors?
Yes, UV-protected panels are weather-resistant and perfect for Aussie gardens.
How tall do Syzygium Australe varieties grow?
Bush Christmas stays around 2–3m, while Select and Waterhousea can reach 6–10m.
Which variety is best for small gardens?
Bush Christmas and Cascade are compact and easy to manage.
Do artificial hedges fade in the sun?
Cheap ones may fade, but quality UV-protected panels stay green for years.
