Species

Syzygium australeBrush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Lilly Pilly, Creek Lilly Pilly

9 other cultivars

shrub

Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly, Dwarf Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly

Syzygium australe 'Baby Boomer'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syzygium australe, commonly known as the brush cherry or creek lilly pilly, is an evergreen rainforest tree native to the coastal and riparian margins of eastern Australia. The species produces glossy green leaves, fluffy clusters of white-to-cream flowers in spring and summer, and fleshy, edible red berries that attract native frugivorous birds.

'Baby Boomer' is a compact, dwarf cultivar of the species that naturally maintains a dense, mounding shrub form reaching 100 to 150 centimetres in height. It is distinguished by its highly responsive nature to topiary shaping and its vibrant bronze-to-red new foliage flushes that contrast against the mature green leaves.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with glossy green foliage and vibrant bronze-red new growth flushes, complemented by fluffy white-to-cream flowers.

Highly suited to low hedging, topiary, and coastal plantings due to its compact habit, low maintenance needs, and high tolerance to pruning.

Supports native bees, butterflies, and other insects with nectar and pollen, while native frugivorous birds feed on the edible fleshy berries.

SpeciesSyzygium australeBrush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Lilly Pilly, Creek Lilly Pilly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59 inches

Width

59 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

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun to partly shaded position in well-drained soil, incorporating organic matter if planting in heavy clay.
Water deeply and regularly for the first 12 weeks to ensure the root system establishes successfully.
Apply a slow-release general-purpose or native fertiliser once or twice a year during the warm spring and summer months.
Prune the outer foliage two to three times a year to maintain a tight, compact shape and stimulate colourful new growth.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning hard into old, leafless wood, as this species lacks dormant buds on ancient timber and will not reliably reshoot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the initial 12-week establishment phase.
Prune lightly and frequently to encourage bronze-red foliage flushes.
Apply a balanced fertiliser during spring and summer to support active growth.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare, leafless wood when pruning.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely before the plant is fully established.
Do not use overhead watering late in the day, which increases the risk of myrtle rust.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low hedgeTopiaryContainer specimenCoastal gardenWindbreakNative garden

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly, Dwarf Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly questions

What zones can Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly, Dwarf Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly grow in?

Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly, Dwarf Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly 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 Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly, Dwarf Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly bloom?

Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly, Dwarf Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly, Dwarf Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly need full sun?

Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly, Dwarf Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly, Dwarf Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly, Dwarf Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.