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Blue Lilly Pilly, Blue Cherry, Scented Satinash, Wanduin

The Story

Plant Bio

Syzygium oleosum, the blue lilly pilly, is an evergreen Australian tree or large shrub native to eastern rainforests, reaching heights of six to fifteen metres. The glossy dark green leaves feature a pale underside and numerous translucent oil glands that release a distinct fruity aroma when crushed.

This species is distinguished by its fluffy cream-white flowers with long, prominent stamens, followed by edible, glossy blue-purple fruits. New foliage emerges with reddish tones, providing a multi-coloured canopy display throughout the year.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense, glossy evergreen foliage with reddish new growth, fluffy cream flowers, and bright blue-purple fruits.

Functions as an excellent dense hedge, windbreak, or privacy screen that responds well to regular shearing.

Provides nectar for native bees and insects, and fleshy edible fruits that attract native birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

590 inches

Width

197 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Winter

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun to partly shaded position in rich, organic-loam soil that drains freely.
Water regularly during the first two seasons to establish a deep root system, especially in sandy soils.
Apply a low-phosphorus organic fertiliser or native-formulated blend in early spring to support new growth.
Mulch the root zone with organic matter to retain soil moisture and protect young roots from temperature extremes.

Pro Tip

Prune young plants regularly from an early age; neglecting early tip-pruning results in a sparse, leggy framework that limits future flowering and fruit production.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly and regularly to maintain a dense canopy and encourage heavier fruiting.
Provide consistent moisture during dry spells to prevent leaf drop and support fruit development.
Protect young plants from frost until they develop greater hardiness with age.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during the establishment phase.
Do not leave young plants unprotected in frost-prone positions during winter.
Do not neglect pruning, as unpruned specimens can rapidly outgrow small garden spaces.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgePrivacy ScreenSpecimen TreeWindbreakBird Attracting Garden

Companion Plants

Callistemon citrinus Dianella caerulea Lomandra longifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blue Lilly Pilly, Blue Cherry, Scented Satinash, Wanduin questions

What zones can Blue Lilly Pilly, Blue Cherry, Scented Satinash, Wanduin grow in?

Blue Lilly Pilly, Blue Cherry, Scented Satinash, Wanduin is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Blue Lilly Pilly, Blue Cherry, Scented Satinash, Wanduin bloom?

Blue Lilly Pilly, Blue Cherry, Scented Satinash, Wanduin typically blooms in late spring through winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Blue Lilly Pilly, Blue Cherry, Scented Satinash, Wanduin need full sun?

Blue Lilly Pilly, Blue Cherry, Scented Satinash, Wanduin does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Blue Lilly Pilly, Blue Cherry, Scented Satinash, Wanduin drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blue Lilly Pilly, Blue Cherry, Scented Satinash, Wanduin handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.