Also known as Lilly Pilly · 17 saves
Syzygium
Syzygium, the genus most gardeners know as lilly pilly. We track 19 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 19 most-saved Syzygium varieties
7 species of Syzygium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Syzygium in Sow
Save the Syzygium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Syzygium
Whats common across all Syzygium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 19 most-grown of them.
The Syzygium year
- PruneMarch, August and September100% of varieties
Perform structural pruning and a primary haircut before the spring growth flush.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus native or balanced fertiliser.
- Check for PestsMay–July100% of varieties
Inspect foliage for lilly pilly green beetle damage and signs of myrtle rust.
- MulchOctober and November74% of varieties
Replenish organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and protect roots.
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells until the root system is fully established.
- Water deeply during dry spells until the root system is fully established.
- Tip-prune regularly from a young age to encourage dense branching for hedges.
- Water deeply during prolonged dry spells to maintain foliage density.
- Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus native or balanced fertiliser in early spring.
Avoid
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay without raising or amending the soil bed.
- Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, as the roots do not tolerate standing water.
- Do not prune heavily in late autumn, which exposes tender new growth to winter frost damage.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during the establishment phase.
What goes wrong with Syzygium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland fruit fly | Stung, softening fruit containing larvae. | Use netting, protein/pheromone traps, or harvest fruit promptly. |
| Lilly pilly psyllid | Pimpled, bumpy, or blistered galls on the upper surface of leaves caused by sap-sucking psyllid insects. | Prune off heavily affected new flushes or apply systemic insecticides if severe. |
| Queensland Fruit Fly | Stung or rotting fruit containing larvae. | Net the trees or use protein and pheromone traps to protect the autumn berries. |
| Scale insects | Sticky honeydew and black sooty mould on the leaves and stems. | Spray affected areas with white oil or horticultural soap to suffocate the insects. |
| Myrtle rust | Purple-brown spots and bright yellow powdery spores on young leaves and shoots. | Remove and dispose of affected parts immediately, and apply registered fungicides in accordance with local guidelines. |
| Myrtle Rust | Bright yellow-orange pustules on young leaves, stems, and buds, causing leaf distortion and shoot dieback. | Prune out infected material, apply approved fungicides, and improve air circulation. |
| Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii) | Bright yellow-orange powdery pustules on young actively growing leaves, stems, and flower buds. | Prune out infected material if minor, or apply approved systemic or contact fungicides. |
Making more Syzygium
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 10-15 cm semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems in late summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut base into a rooting hormone gel.
- Insert the cuttings into a well-draining propagation mix of perlite and peat.
- Place in a warm, humid environment or misting frame until roots establish, noting commercial propagation is restricted under PBR.
Seed
- Extract fresh seeds from the ripe blue-purple fruits.
- Remove the fleshy outer pulp to prevent fungal rot.
- Sow the seeds immediately into a well-draining seed-raising mix.
- Maintain consistent moisture and warmth; germination occurs in three to eight weeks.
Syzygium questions
How many types of Syzygium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 19 distinct Syzygium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 17 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Syzygium grow in?
Across its varieties, Syzygium covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Syzygium bloom?
Most Syzygium varieties bloom in spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Syzygium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.