Syzygium australe, or Lilly Pilly, is a hardy native of eastern Australia. Loved for its glossy leaves, colourful new growth, flowers, and edible berries, it’s fast-growing and easy to prune.

Perfect for hedges, borders, and pots, thriving in sun or part shade.plus my Gardengreen’s top artificial alternatives if you want the look without the maintenance.

There’s a reason Syzygium Australe, also known as the Brush Cherry or Lilly Pilly, has stood the test of time in Aussie gardens:

• Evergreen foliage – glossy leaves stay lush all year.
• Fast-growing – perfect for hedges and privacy screens.
• Low-maintenance – thrives in most Aussie soils and climates.
• Attractive flowers & berries – creamy blossoms in spring, followed by pink-red edible fruit.
• Adaptable style – can be clipped neat or left natural.

For city dwellers in Melbourne apartments or homeowners in Queensland’s subtropical suburbs, Syzygium Australe is as versatile as it gets.

Quick Snapshot – Syzygium Australe (Lilly Pilly)

How to Grow Syzygium Australe in Australia

Choosing the Right Spot

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade. For dense hedges, at least 6 hours of sun is ideal.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid heavy clay unless improved with compost.
• Space: Leave 50–100cm between plants for hedging, depending on how dense you want the screen.

Planting Steps

1. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
2. Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the backfill soil.
3. Place plant level with ground height and backfill gently.
4. Water deeply and mulch around the base (but keep away from the trunk).

Watering & Feeding Schedule

• Watering:
  • New plants: water 2–3 times per week for the first 2 months.
  • Established hedges: weekly deep watering in dry spells.
• Fertiliser:
  • Apply a slow-release native fertiliser twice a year (spring and late summer).
  • Liquid seaweed tonic every 4–6 weeks encourages lush growth.

Pro Tip: Over-fertilising can burn roots. Stick with low-phosphorus native blends.

Even hardy natives have their weak spots. Here’s what most Aussie gardeners face:

1. Psyllid Damage (Bumpy Leaves)

• Cause: Tiny sap-sucking insects.
• Fix: Choose psyllid-resistant varieties like Syzygium Australe ‘Resilience’. Spray with eco-oil if needed.

2. Root Rot (Poor Drainage)

• Cause: Overwatering or heavy clay soil.
• Fix: Improve drainage, water less often, and treat with fungicide if caught early.

3. Yellow Leaves

• Cause: Nutrient deficiency.
• Fix: Apply a native slow-release fertiliser. Add trace elements if severe.

4. Sparse Growth

• Cause: Not enough sunlight or pruning.
• Fix: Relocate to sunnier spot or prune more often to stimulate branching.

Hedging Syzygium Australe

Australians plant Syzygium Australe for one main reason – privacy. A well-maintained Lilly Pilly hedge can grow from 1.5m to 6m tall, giving you the perfect green wall.

Indoor & Balcony Styling Trends

With more Aussies living in apartments, Syzygium Australe is even making its way indoors and onto balconies.

• Potted Style: Keep in a large decorative pot. Perfect for patios, courtyards, or balconies.
• Office Greenery: A compact Lilly Pilly in a pot adds a natural vibe to modern workspaces.
• Artificial Alternative: For low-light homes or offices, artificial Lilly Pilly trees and hedge panels from Gardengreen are stunning, zero-maintenance options.

At Gardengreen, we’ve tested both real and artificial Lilly Pilly options. Here are our favourites for 2025:

Artificial Syzygium Australe Hedge Panel (100x50cm)

Ideal for balconies, garden walls, or offices needing a green backdrop.

Where to place: Perfect for indoor styling or shaded verandahs.

Where to place: In the ground for lush hedges or large decorative pots outdoors.

The price of both real and artificial Syzygium Australe varies across Australia. For example:

• A live 200mm pot at Bunnings costs around $25–30.
• A 3m tall advanced hedge from a nursery can cost $200–300 each.
• Artificial hedge panels at Gardengreen start around $80–100 each, depending on size.

We compared prices at Bunnings, Amazon, Target, West Elm, CB2, and Gardengreen. After reading reviews and testing products, our verdict was clear:

• Artificial Lilly Pilly works best for offices, balconies, and shaded courtyards.
• Real Syzygium Australe is unbeatable for living hedges and large-scale landscaping.

Conclusion

Syzygium Australe (Lilly Pilly) is a true Aussie garden hero. Whether you want a fast-growing hedge, a statement tree, or just a lush indoor vibe, it delivers beauty with minimal fuss.

But if you live in a unit, office, or struggle with plant care, Gardengreen’s artificial Lilly Pilly options give you the same lush look with zero maintenance.

Either way, this versatile native deserves a spot in every Australian home.

How tall does Syzygium Australe grow in Australia?

It can reach 6m tall, but regular pruning keeps it neat as a 2–3m hedge.

Which is the best Lilly Pilly variety for hedging?

Syzygium Australe ‘Resilience’ is the top pick – fast-growing and psyllid-resistant.

Can Lilly Pilly grow indoors?

Yes – in large pots with bright indirect light. For low-light areas, artificial Lilly Pilly trees are a stylish option.

How often should I prune my hedge?

Trim 2–3 times a year for a dense, neat screen.

Is Syzygium Australe safe for pets?

Yes – non-toxic to dogs and cats, though the berries may cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large amounts.