Species

Syzygium australeBrush Cherry

12 other cultivars

shrub

Brush Cherry

Syzygium australe 'Baby Boomer'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syzygium australe, commonly known as brush cherry, is a dense evergreen tree or large shrub native to the coastal rainforests of eastern Australia. It features glossy, deep green leaves and fluffy white clusters of stamens that mature into fleshy, edible magenta berries.

'Baby Boomer' is a compact, dwarf selection that naturally maintains a tight, rounded form reaching three to six feet in height. Its new foliage emerges with a vibrant reddish-bronze to copper flush, making it highly suited for low hedges, topiary, and container specimens.

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its tight, mounding habit, glossy evergreen foliage, and striking reddish-bronze new growth.

Excellent for low-maintenance formal hedges, topiary, and container specimens in warm climates.

Provides nesting sites for small birds and attracts insect pollinators with its fluffy white flowers.

SpeciesSyzygium australeBrush Cherry

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

78"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, placing the plant so the soil level matches the nursery container.
Water deeply at the base immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.
Water regularly during the first growing season until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Prune regularly during the active growing season to stimulate the colorful bronze new growth flushes, but avoid cutting back into old, leafless woody stems which do not regenerate easily.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune two to three times a year to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Grow in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring to support new growth.

Don't

Do not cut back heavily into old, thick, leafless woody stems.
Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged or soggy.
Do not plant in deep shade, which reduces foliage density and color intensity.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal or informal hedgingTopiaryContainer plantingFoundation plantingCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Agapanthus praecox Lantana camara

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Brush Cherry questions

What zones can Brush Cherry grow in?

Brush Cherry 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.

Is Brush Cherry deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Brush Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Brush Cherry bloom?

Brush Cherry 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 Brush Cherry need full sun?

Brush Cherry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Brush Cherry drought tolerant?

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