The Story
Plant Bio
Waterhousea floribunda is a large evergreen tree native to the riverine rainforests of eastern Australia, characterized by a dense, symmetrical canopy and heavily weeping branches that often reach the ground. The narrow, glossy green leaves feature distinctively rippled margins, while large, fluffy panicles of white flowers open at the branch tips during summer.
'Sweeper' is distinguished by its highly pronounced weeping habit, producing pendulous, cascading branchlets that create a dense, screen-like form. This selection also exhibits strong resistance to myrtle rust, making it a highly reliable choice for humid climates where the species is prone to fungal issues.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
393"
Width
315"
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
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with fertile, well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil collar sits level with the ground.
- Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the root system.
- Apply a thick layer of coarse organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.
- Water regularly during the first two growing seasons until the deep root system is fully established.
Pro Tip
Prune lightly every two to three years immediately after summer flowering to maintain canopy density; cutting back severely into old, leafless wood results in slow and patchy regrowth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Mulch heavily with chunky organic matter to retain soil moisture.
- Irrigate deeply during prolonged dry spells in hot summer months.
- Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer in early spring.
Don't
- Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged sites where root rot can develop.
- Avoid radical pruning into old, bare wood.
- Do not allow young plants to dry out completely during their first summer.
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
Weeping Lilly Pilly questions
What zones can Weeping Lilly Pilly grow in?
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.
Is Weeping Lilly Pilly deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Weeping Lilly Pilly, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Weeping Lilly Pilly bloom?
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 need full sun?
Weeping Lilly Pilly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Weeping Lilly Pilly drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Weeping Lilly Pilly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow 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.