Lilly Pilly (Syzygium Australe) Planting & Care Guide
Lilly Pilly (Syzygium australe) are one of the most popular native hedges in Australia, especially the “Resilience”, “Select” and “Straight & Narrow” varieties.
This guide is to help get the most out of your new or established hedges!
If you'd like to learn about the differences between 'Resilience' and Select' see this article.
For all other types of Lilly Pilly - see this article here
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How far apart should I plant Lilly Pillys?
A spacing of about 60-80cm between plants is recommended for a dense hedge.
For a more open, informal screen, you can space the plants further apart, at about 1-1.5 meters apart.
You can use this Plant Spacing Calculator, to easily work out how many you need for your garden bed.
Keep in mind that Lilly Pilly plants can grow quite quickly, so you may need to prune them regularly to maintain the desired shape and size of your hedge. It's also a good idea to provide the plants with adequate moisture and nutrients to support healthy growth. Check out our Planting Guide for more info.
How should I prune Lilly Pillys?
Pruning Lilly Pillys is an important part of maintaining their shape and encouraging healthy growth. There are a few key tips to keep in mind when pruning Lilly Pillys:
- Use sharp, clean pruning tools to ensure clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant.
- Prune Lilly Pilly plants at any time of year. Hard-cut backs should be done in late winter to early spring, before new growth begins. This will help to encourage new growth and improve the plant's overall health.
- Remove any dead or damaged branches first, as well as any branches that are growing in an undesirable direction.
- To maintain a compact, neat shape, prune back the tips of the branches by about a third.
- Avoid over-pruning, as this can stress the plant and reduce its overall health and vigor.
- If pruning to shape the plant, try to maintain a balanced and symmetrical shape, with a dominant central leader and evenly spaced lateral branches.
Overall, the key to successful pruning of Lilly Pilly plants is to be careful, gentle, and selective in your pruning, focusing on removing only the branches that are necessary for the health and appearance of the plant.
How often should I water Lilly Pillys?
The watering needs of Lilly Pillys will depend on several factors, including the climate, soil type, and size of the plants. In general, Lilly Pillys require regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather.
Here are some general guidelines for watering Lilly Pillys:
- Water the plants deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged.
- Water the plants in the morning or early afternoon.
- Check the moisture level of the soil regularly, and water the plants as needed to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Provide extra water during periods of extended drought or heat.
It's a good idea to check the soil moisture level before watering the plants, using your finger or a moisture meter. This will help you avoid over-watering or under-watering the plants. Check out our Watering Guide for more helpful tips.
Additionally, mulching around the base of the plants can help conserve moisture and regulate the soil temperature. Our Mulching Guide explains this in more detail.
How much fertiliser do Lilly Pillys need?
Lilly Pillys are relatively low-maintenance and do not require a lot of fertiliser to thrive. However, like all plants, they will benefit from a regular supply of nutrients to support healthy growth and abundant flowering.
The specific fertiliser requirements of Lilly Pillys will depend on the variety, growing conditions, and the age of the plants. In general, it's a good idea to use a slow-release fertiliser that provides a balanced mix of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Here are some general guidelines for fertilising Lilly Pillys:
- Use a generic slow-release fertiliser.
- Follow the application instructions on the fertiliser label, and apply the fertiliser at the recommended rate and frequency.
- Avoid over-fertilising, which can burn the plant.
- Apply the fertiliser around the base of the plants, avoiding contact with the trunk and leaves.
- Water the plants thoroughly after applying the fertiliser, to help dissolve and distribute the nutrients.
With the right care, Lilly Pillys can make a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. If you’re after any other hedging or screening plants, check out these plants here.
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