Waterhousea floribunda
Photo: Tony van KampenCC BY 4.0
tree

Weeping Lilly Pilly, Weeping Myrtle, Waterhousea, Satin Ash, Large-leaved Water Gum

Waterhousea floribunda

The Story

Plant Bio

Waterhousea floribunda is an evergreen tree native to the riverine rainforests and stream banks of eastern Australia. It develops a graceful, heavily weeping branching habit and reaches a height of four to eight metres in domestic garden cultivation.

The lanceolate, glossy dark green leaves feature distinctive wavy margins and numerous fine oil dots on their pale undersides. New foliage emerges with pinkish-bronze or reddish tones, followed by fluffy white to cream-coloured flowers in large terminal panicles.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides a graceful, weeping silhouette with glossy foliage, pinkish-bronze new growth, and fluffy white flowers.
Practical UsesFunctions as an excellent tall privacy screen, windbreak, or shade tree that tolerates periodic wet soil conditions.
Ecological BenefitsSupports nectar-eating and seed-eating Australian birds, native bees, and small mammals with its flowers and berries.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

315 inches

Width

236 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Plant in a full sun to partially shaded position in rich, organic-enriched loam or clay-loam soil.
  2. Water deeply and regularly during the establishment phase to maintain consistent soil moisture.
  3. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the root zone, ensuring it does not directly touch the trunk.
  4. Tip-prune two to three times a year to encourage dense foliage growth and promote colourful new flushes.

Pro Tip

Avoid severe mechanical hedging into old, leafless wood, as this species fails to shoot reliably from dormant timber and loses its natural weeping form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply during extended dry summer periods to prevent stress and leaf drop.
  • Apply a balanced native fertiliser to support healthy foliage development.
  • Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, informal screen.

Don't

  • Do not prune hard into old, bare brown wood, as regrowth will be poor or non-existent.
  • Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, especially during the plant's early establishment years.
  • Do not pile mulch directly against the trunk, which can encourage rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Informal tall screenWindbreakRiparian revegetationSpecimen shade tree

Companion Plants

Understory ferns Moisture-loving groundcovers Lomandra species

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Weeping Lilly Pilly, Weeping Myrtle, Waterhousea, Satin Ash, Large-leaved Water Gum questions

What zones can Weeping Lilly Pilly, Weeping Myrtle, Waterhousea, Satin Ash, Large-leaved Water Gum grow in?

Weeping Lilly Pilly, Weeping Myrtle, Waterhousea, Satin Ash, Large-leaved Water Gum 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, Weeping Myrtle, Waterhousea, Satin Ash, Large-leaved Water Gum bloom?

Weeping Lilly Pilly, Weeping Myrtle, Waterhousea, Satin Ash, Large-leaved Water Gum 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 Weeping Lilly Pilly, Weeping Myrtle, Waterhousea, Satin Ash, Large-leaved Water Gum need full sun?

Weeping Lilly Pilly, Weeping Myrtle, Waterhousea, Satin Ash, Large-leaved Water Gum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Weeping Lilly Pilly, Weeping Myrtle, Waterhousea, Satin Ash, Large-leaved Water Gum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Weeping Lilly Pilly, Weeping Myrtle, Waterhousea, Satin Ash, Large-leaved Water Gum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

More Waterhousea to compare

Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping Lilly Pilly

Weeping Lilly Pilly, Sweeper Weeping Lilly Pilly

Waterhousea floribunda 'Sweeper'

Zones 9–10· 1 saves

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

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