Species

Syzygium australeBrush Cherry

12 other cultivars

shrub

Big Red Lilly Pilly

Syzygium australe 'Big Red'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syzygium australe, native to the temperate and subtropical rainforest corridors of eastern Australia, grows as a dense, upright evergreen tree or large shrub. The species features glossy green foliage and fluffy, white, duster-style flowers that develop into fleshy, edible pinkish-red berries.

'Big Red' is distinguished by its large, glossy leaves and striking crimson-to-deep-red new growth flushes. This cultivar maintains a highly compact, bushy habit that makes it exceptionally suited for formal hedging and privacy screens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with glossy dark green leaves and vibrant crimson new growth flushes, complemented by fluffy white summer flowers.

Creates an exceptionally dense, fast-growing privacy screen or formal hedge that tolerates coastal wind and salt spray.

Attracts native bees and insects with its nectar-rich flowers, while the fleshy berries provide food for local songbirds.

SpeciesSyzygium australeBrush Cherry

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

236"

Width

98"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

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 well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, amending heavy clay soils to ensure high drainage.
Gently loosen any outer roots, place the plant in the hole at its original soil level, and backfill.
Water deeply immediately after planting, and maintain consistent moisture for the first eight to thirteen weeks.

Pro Tip

Prune only the soft, leafy tips to encourage dense branching; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents reliable regeneration.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during the first three months to establish the root system.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once in spring to support new growth flushes.
Tip-prune regularly to maintain a dense, compact habit when growing as a hedge.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained soils where water pools, as this triggers root rot.
Do not prune aggressively into old, bare wood that lacks active green leaves.
Do not allow young plants to dry out completely during their initial establishment phase.

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

HedgePrivacy ScreenTopiarySpecimen Plant

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Lomandra longifolia Dietes grandiflora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Big Red Lilly Pilly questions

What zones can Big Red Lilly Pilly grow in?

Big Red 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 Big Red Lilly Pilly deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Big Red Lilly Pilly, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Big Red Lilly Pilly bloom?

Big Red 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 Big Red Lilly Pilly need full sun?

Big Red Lilly Pilly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Big Red Lilly Pilly drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Big Red Lilly Pilly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.