Species

Syzygium australeBrush Cherry

12 other cultivars

shrub

Lilly Pilly

Syzygium australe 'Elite'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syzygium australe, commonly known as brush cherry, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern coastal Australia. The species produces glossy, dark green leaves, fluffy white-to-cream powder-puff flowers, and fleshy, edible pink-red berries.

'Elite' is a cultivar selected for its naturally compact, densely branched growth habit that retains tight foliage down to the ground. It features vibrant bronze-orange to reddish-brown new foliage flushes and exhibits strong natural resistance to lilly pilly psyllids.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, glossy green screen with striking bronze-orange new growth and decorative pink-red berries.

Serves as an excellent, low-maintenance formal hedge, privacy screen, or topiary specimen.

White powder-puff flowers attract generalist pollinators, and the fleshy berries provide food for local wildlife.

SpeciesSyzygium australeBrush Cherry

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

197"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and amend heavy soils to ensure proper sub-surface drainage.
Install the plant at the same depth as it was in the container and backfill, firming the soil gently.
Water deeply at planting and maintain regular moisture during the establishment period.

Pro Tip

Tip-prune young plants early to prevent sparse, leggy growth at the base and ensure a dense, wall-to-wall screen. Do not mistake the vibrant bronze-orange flush of new foliage for a nutrient deficiency, as this is a normal genetic trait.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Tip-prune young plants regularly to encourage dense growth down to the ground.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in spring.
Provide supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells, even after establishment.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood as it may fail to shoot back.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay without amending the soil to prevent collar rot.
Do not over-water or allow the soil to remain waterlogged.

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

HedgeScreeningTopiarySpecimen PlantContainer Planting

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lilly Pilly questions

What zones can Lilly Pilly grow in?

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 Lilly Pilly deer resistant?

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

When does Lilly Pilly bloom?

Lilly Pilly 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 Lilly Pilly need full sun?

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

Is Lilly Pilly drought tolerant?

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