The Story
Plant Bio
Waterhousea floribunda is an evergreen rainforest tree native to eastern Australian riverine corridors, where it establishes along gallery forests from the Hunter Valley northward into Queensland. The species naturally forms a medium to large canopy of weeping branches clothed in glossy, lanceolate leaves and bears fluffy panicles of white flowers in summer.
'Sweeper' is a vegetatively propagated PBR selection ('DOW20') bred specifically to exhibit a much tighter, denser screen and more intensely rippled, heavily weeping foliage than the wild species. The elegant, elongated leaves emerge in vibrant lime-green to soft pinkish-bronze shades, creating a strong contrast against the darker mature foliage.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
394 inches
Width
315 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Eastern Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer
In flower about 1 month of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in a position receiving full sun to part shade, opting for full sun to achieve the densest screening form.
- Prepare the planting hole with organic matter, ensuring the soil is a well-drained loam, sandy loam, or heavy clay loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
- Water deeply and regularly during the establishment phase, maintaining consistent soil moisture to support lush foliage development.
- Apply a thick layer of chunky organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the main trunk to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pro Tip
Restrict pruning to active green growth during spring and late summer; hacking harshly into old, leafless interior wood prevents bud activation and leaves permanent bare patches in the canopy.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Tip-prune lightly one to two times a year to maintain density and enhance the cascading weeping habit.
- Mulch heavily with chunky organic mulch to retain soil moisture during dry spells.
- Water supplementary during hot, dry periods to maintain lush foliage and prevent stress.
- Feed in spring with a slow-release, low-phosphorus or native-safe fertiliser to support new growth.
Don't
- Never prune harshly into old, leafless bare wood as it may fail to shoot.
- Do not plant in hot, dry, exposed inland conditions where the tree is subjected to desiccating winds.
- Avoid planting in poorly drained sites that pool water indefinitely, though periodic dampness is tolerated.
- Do not allow young, tender new growth to be exposed to heavy frosts, which causes frost burn.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| 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
Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping Lilly Pilly questions
What zones can Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping Lilly Pilly grow in?
Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping 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 Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping Lilly Pilly bloom?
Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping 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 Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping Lilly Pilly need full sun?
Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping Lilly Pilly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping Lilly Pilly drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping Lilly Pilly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Waterhousea to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping 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.