Lilly Pilly is a beloved plant among Australian gardeners, known for its lush foliage, fast growth, and versatility in hedging and screening. It’s a native plant that’s well-suited to a range of environments, making it a popular choice for both urban and coastal gardens.

However, not all Lilly Pilly species are the same, and knowing the differences between the three main types – Acmena, Syzygium, and Waterhousia – can help you choose the best one for your needs.

Acmena varieties tend to have a tight, bushy growth habit, making them great for formal hedges.

They produce small white or cream flowers in spring and summer, followed by decorative (but not always edible) berries that range from white to pink-purple.

One of the most common types of Acmena is Acmena smithii minor also known as the Dwarf Lilly Pilly, which is perfect for low-growing hedges or topiaries.

Why Choose Acmena?
If you're looking for a compact, formal hedge that can be shaped easily and grows relatively quickly, Acmena is a solid choice. Its dense foliage also provides excellent privacy, and it’s hardy enough to thrive in various conditions, including coastal areas.

• Mature Height

Typically 3-5 metres, but dwarf varieties are also available.

• Growth Rate

Moderate to fast, depending on the variety.

• Ideal Conditions

Full sun to partial shade. They are adaptable to different soil types but prefer well-drained soil.

Syzygium plants are known for their broad, glossy leaves, which often develop colourful new growth in shades of light green, pink, red, or bronze.

They produce clusters of small white or pink flowers, followed by edible fruit, which can range from pink to purple. This fruit is popular with birds, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Syzygium australe (commonly referred to as Brush Cherry) is one of the best-known varieties, with popular cultivars like Resilience and Straight and Narrow being ideal for narrow spaces and tall hedges.

Why Choose Syzygium?
Syzygium is perfect for those looking for a fast-growing, hardy hedge or privacy screen. Its larger varieties make it excellent for taller barriers, and the colourful new foliage adds a decorative touch to your garden. The edible berries are a bonus for both you and the birds!

• Mature Height

Can range from 3 metres for smaller varieties to 8 metres for larger ones like Syzygium australe.

• Growth Rate

Moderate to fast.

• Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soils. Prefers well-drained soil but can handle wetter conditions better
than Acmena.

• The key feature of Waterhousia is its weeping branches, which create a softer, more natural appearance compared to the more structured growth of Acmena and Syzygium.
• Waterhousia produces clusters of small, white, fluffy flowers in spring, followed by pale pink or white fruit.
• One of the most popular species is Waterhousia floribunda, commonly called Weeping Lilly Pilly, which is an excellent choice for large hedges or feature trees.

Why Choose Waterhousia ?
If you’re after a more natural, flowing look for your hedge or screen, Waterhousia is ideal. It’s a stunning plant that works well as a feature tree or for a large, informal privacy screen. Its weeping branches give it a unique charm, perfect for adding texture and movement to your garden.

• Mature Height

Can reach up to 10-20 metres tall, making it the tallest of the Lilly Pilly species.

• Growth Rate

Moderate to fast.

• Ideal Conditions

Prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate more moisture than Acmena or Syzygium. Waterhousia does well in a range of soils but prefers those that are nutrient rich and well-drained.