Three Main Species of Lilly Pilly: Acmena, Syzygium, and Waterhousia

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.

1. Acmena Lilly Pilly

Acmena species are one of the most popular varieties of Lilly Pilly for hedging. They are prized for their compact, dense foliage and ability to tolerate regular pruning, which makes them ideal for formal hedges and garden screens.

  • 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.

Noteworthy Features

  • 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.

Pictured - Acmena smithii minor 'Allyn Magic'

2. Syzygium Lilly Pilly

Syzygium species are the most diverse of the Lilly Pilly group and are often selected for larger hedges or screens. These plants can grow quite tall and tend to have a more upright, fast-growing habit compared to Acmena.

  • 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.

Noteworthy Features

  • 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!

Pictured - Syzygium australe 'Resilience'

3. Waterhousia Lilly Pilly

Waterhousia species, also known as Weeping Lilly Pilly, are distinctive for their graceful, weeping foliage and tall, elegant growth. These plants are best suited for larger gardens where they have room to spread and create a natural, soft screening effect.

  • 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.

Noteworthy Features

  • 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.

Pictured - Waterhousia floribunda

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose Acmena for its compact growth, Syzygium for a fast-growing tall hedge, or Waterhousia for its weeping elegance, each Lilly Pilly species offers something unique. All three types are great options for creating privacy, structure, and beauty in your garden.

At Platypus Plants, we offer a wide range of Lilly Pillys and can help you find the perfect variety for your garden. We deliver across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and South East Queensland, so you can enjoy a lush, thriving garden no matter where you are.