Species
1 other cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Syzygium smithii, commonly known as lilly pilly, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the rainforest margins and coastal regions of eastern Australia. It features dense, glossy foliage and produces small, fluffy white flowers in summer, followed by fleshy berries in wild populations.
'Sublime' is a compact, upright cultivar selected for its highly reflective lime-green new growth that matures to a deep forest green. This cultivar is highly resistant to psyllids and is specifically bred to produce almost no berries, preventing messy litter on pathways.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
197"
Width
118"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Medium
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent drainage.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth.
- Backfill with native soil, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets around the roots.
- Water deeply at the base to settle the soil, and apply a thick layer of organic mulch.
- Irrigate regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Pro Tip
Prune the outer foliage canopy lightly after seasonal growth flushes; cutting back too deeply into old, leafless wood will result in bare patches that fail to reshoot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Do prune regularly to maintain a tight, formal hedge shape.
- Do use a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Do provide supplemental water during extended dry spells.
Don't
- Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or chronically wet.
- Do not cut back into old, bare wood when shearing.
- Do not apply heavy chemical fertilizers high in phosphorus.
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Lilly Pilly questions
What zones can Lilly Pilly grow in?
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.
Is Lilly Pilly deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Lilly Pilly, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Lilly Pilly bloom?
Lilly Pilly typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Lilly Pilly need full sun?
Lilly Pilly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Lilly Pilly drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lilly Pilly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Acmena to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Lilly Pilly with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.