Species
1 other cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Acmena smithii is an evergreen Australian shrub or tree native to the rainforest margins of the eastern coast. It features glossy, deep green foliage and small, fluffy panicles of cream-colored flowers that mature into fleshy, decorative berries.
'Allyn Magic' is an extremely compact, low-mounding dwarf cultivar that reaches only two feet in height and width. It is distinguished by its striking, colorful new growth, which flushes with brilliant shades of orange-red, salmon-pink, and bronze-maroon throughout the year.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
24"
Width
24"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site with well-drained, acidic to neutral sandy loam or loamy soil in full sun to partial shade.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
- Water deeply during the establishment period, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
- Apply a balanced, low-phosphorus slow-release fertilizer once or twice during the warm spring and summer growing months.
Pro Tip
Avoid planting in heavy, poorly drained clay soils, as stagnant moisture triggers rapid root rot. When shaping, prune lightly after a growth flush; cutting back into thick, leafless woody stems prevents active buds from regenerating.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in highly permeable, well-draining soil mixes to prevent root rot.
- Prune lightly after flowering or growth flushes to stimulate colorful new foliage.
- Provide shelter from harsh, freezing winter winds in marginal climates.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, compacted clay or low-lying areas prone to standing water.
- Do not prune harshly into old, bare wood lacking active green leaves.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, which causes severe wilting and leaf drop.
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
Allyn Magic Lilly Pilly questions
What zones can Allyn Magic Lilly Pilly grow in?
Allyn Magic 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 Allyn Magic Lilly Pilly bloom?
Allyn Magic 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 Allyn Magic Lilly Pilly need full sun?
Allyn Magic Lilly Pilly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Allyn Magic Lilly Pilly drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Allyn Magic 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 Allyn Magic 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.