Species

Syzygium australeBrush Cherry

12 other cultivars

shrub

Brush Cherry

Syzygium australe 'Pinnacle'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syzygium australe is an evergreen rainforest tree native to eastern Australia, characterized by its dense, glossy green foliage and smooth bark. The species produces fluffy white to cream flowers composed of numerous long stamens, followed by fleshy, edible pink-to-red berries.

'Pinnacle' is a highly columnar, narrow-growing cultivar that naturally maintains a tight, upright silhouette resembling a conifer. Its glossy green leaves are complemented by highly contrasting flushes of bright reddish-brown to crimson new growth.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a striking, narrow vertical accent with glossy green foliage and vibrant reddish-brown new growth.

Serves as an excellent, space-saving windbreak or privacy screen in tight urban gardens and narrow side passages.

Flowers attract generalist insect pollinators, while the fleshy red berries provide food for local birds.

SpeciesSyzygium australeBrush Cherry

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil is loosened.
Backfill with native soil enriched with organic matter, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets.
Water deeply at the base and apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart to form a dense, narrow privacy screen without crowding out the lower branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Apply a balanced, low-phosphorus slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Prune annually to maintain a tight, formal shape and encourage colorful new growth flushes.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils where standing water can trigger root rot.
Avoid over-watering established plants, as they possess good drought tolerance once mature.
Do not allow young landscape plants to remain unprotected in areas with heavy deer or rabbit pressure.

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 privacy screensFormal hedgingTopiaryContainer specimensWindbreaks

Companion Plants

Plumbago auriculata Agapanthus praecox Trachelospermum jasminoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Brush Cherry questions

What zones can Brush Cherry grow in?

Brush Cherry 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 Brush Cherry deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Brush Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Brush Cherry bloom?

Brush Cherry typically blooms in spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Brush Cherry need full sun?

Brush Cherry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Brush Cherry drought tolerant?

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