Species

Syzygium australeBrush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Lilly Pilly, Creek Lilly Pilly

9 other cultivars

shrub

Aussie Southern Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, Creek Satinash

Syzygium australe 'Aussie Southern'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syzygium australe, commonly known as the brush cherry, is an evergreen rainforest tree native to eastern Australia. The species produces dense, glossy foliage and small, fluffy white flower clusters that develop into fleshy red berries.

'Aussie Southern' is a compact, slender cultivar selected for its upright, columnar growth habit that carries dense foliage right to ground level. Its new growth emerges in vibrant shades of bronze and copper before maturing to deep green, making it highly effective for narrow screens and formal hedges.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense, columnar evergreen foliage with vibrant bronze-orange new growth and fluffy white flowers.

Excellent for narrow privacy screens, windbreaks, and formal or informal hedging.

Flowers provide nectar and pollen for native insects and bees, while the edible fruit attracts native birds.

SpeciesSyzygium australeBrush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Lilly Pilly, Creek Lilly Pilly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

236 inches

Width

118 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

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a well-drained loam or sandy soil in a full sun to partially shaded position.
Water regularly during the establishment phase and during extended dry spells.
Apply a general-purpose native or low-phosphorus slow-release fertiliser and organic mulch in spring.
Prune frequently (two to three times a year) to maintain a dense, tight formal hedge.

Pro Tip

Avoid cutting back hard into thick, old, leafless brown wood where dormant buds may fail to shoot; instead, prune frequently into green leafy growth to maintain a tight, dense screen.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune frequently to encourage dense, tight growth.
Water regularly during dry spells and establishment.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser annually in spring.

Don't

Do not cut back hard into thick, old, leafless brown wood.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or poorly drained.

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

Narrow spacesFormal hedgingInformal hedgingPrivacy screens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Aussie Southern Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, Creek Satinash questions

What zones can Aussie Southern Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, Creek Satinash grow in?

Aussie Southern Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, Creek Satinash 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 Aussie Southern Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, Creek Satinash bloom?

Aussie Southern Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, Creek Satinash 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 Aussie Southern Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, Creek Satinash need full sun?

Aussie Southern Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, Creek Satinash does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Aussie Southern Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, Creek Satinash drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Aussie Southern Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, Creek Satinash handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.