Species
1 other cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Acmena smithii, native to eastern Australian rainforest margins and wet sclerophyll forests, is an evergreen Myrtaceae species that forms a dense, upright small tree or large shrub. The species features opposite, lanceolate, glossy dark green leaves and produces masses of fluffy, staminate white flowers in summer.
'Sublime' is a selectively bred cultivar distinguished by its highly compact growth habit that extends densely to ground level and its vibrant lime-green new growth flushes. Unlike the parent species, this selection is highly resistant to lilly pilly psyllids and rarely sets the messy, staining berries produced by wild-type plants.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
197 inches
Width
98 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low to Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer
In flower about 1 month of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth, ensuring the soil is loosened but not overly disturbed at the base.
- Position the plant in a full sun to partially shaded location, ensuring the top of the root ball sits flush with the surrounding soil level.
- Backfill with native soil, firm gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the root system.
- Apply a five-to-seven-centimetre layer of chunky organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main trunk to prevent rot.
- Water regularly for the first eight to thirteen weeks until the root system is established, then reduce frequency as drought tolerance develops.
Pro Tip
Avoid pruning into old, bare inner wood that lacks active dormant buds, as Myrtaceae fail to reshoot from dead timber. Space plants at least two metres apart to allow for their mature width and prevent the cramped, airless conditions that encourage scale insects.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Apply a low-phosphorus or native-formulated controlled-release fertiliser in late winter and spring.
- Prune annually if maintaining a formal hedge, tight screen, or topiary shape.
- Mulch the root zone with organic material to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Ensure adequate spacing between plants to maintain airflow and reduce the risk of scale.
Don't
- Do not prune back into old, leafless wood that lacks active dormant buds.
- Do not plant in permanently waterlogged soils or poorly drained depressions.
- Do not use high-phosphorus fertilisers that can disrupt nutrient uptake.
- Do not crowd plants too closely, which restricts light and leads to lower foliage loss.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Lilly Pilly 'Sublime', Sublime Lilly Pilly, Smith's Acmena questions
What zones can Lilly Pilly 'Sublime', Sublime Lilly Pilly, Smith's Acmena grow in?
Lilly Pilly 'Sublime', Sublime Lilly Pilly, Smith's Acmena 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 Lilly Pilly 'Sublime', Sublime Lilly Pilly, Smith's Acmena bloom?
Lilly Pilly 'Sublime', Sublime Lilly Pilly, Smith's Acmena 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 'Sublime', Sublime Lilly Pilly, Smith's Acmena need full sun?
Lilly Pilly 'Sublime', Sublime Lilly Pilly, Smith's Acmena does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Lilly Pilly 'Sublime', Sublime Lilly Pilly, Smith's Acmena drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lilly Pilly 'Sublime', Sublime Lilly Pilly, Smith's Acmena 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 'Sublime', Sublime Lilly Pilly, Smith's Acmena 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.