Species

Syzygium australeBrush Cherry

12 other cultivars

shrub

Lilly Pilly

Syzygium australe 'Bush Christmas'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syzygium australe is an upright, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to the coastal and sub-coastal rainforests of eastern Australia. It features small, glossy dark green leaves with pale undersides and produces fluffy, powder-puff white flowers followed by fleshy red berries.

'Bush Christmas' is a compact, narrow-oval cultivar selected for its dense growth habit and brilliant orange-red to crimson new foliage. This colorful flush is particularly vivid during winter, making it highly effective for formal hedging and topiary.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, evergreen screen with striking orange-red new growth and fluffy white summer flowers.

Produces edible, tart red berries that are high in pectin and suitable for making preserves and jellies.

Flowers attract generalist insect pollinators, while the dense foliage provides nesting cover for small birds.

SpeciesSyzygium australeBrush Cherry

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with soil enriched with organic matter.
Water deeply and regularly for the first twelve months to establish a deep root system.
Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer in early spring to support new growth flushes.

Pro Tip

Do not prune past the active green foliage zone into completely bare, old wood; the sluggish lignotuber response on old stems will result in permanent dieback rather than fresh shoots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Trim the foliage lightly two to three times a year to maintain a tight, dense hedge.
Provide supplemental water during extended dry spells once the plant is established.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot from waterlogging.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, leafless wood when pruning, as it fails to regenerate.
Do not apply heavy phosphorus fertilizers, which are unnecessary and can cause nutrient imbalances.
Do not allow young plants to sit in standing water or heavy, compacted clay.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal hedgeTopiaryPrivacy screenContainer specimenWindbreak

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Lomandra longifolia Dietes grandiflora

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 late spring 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.