Lilly Pilly 'Resilience' vs Mock Orange

What's the difference and which one is right for your garden?

Looking to create a lush green screen for your garden? Two of the most popular choices are Lilly Pilly 'Resilience' (Syzygium australe) and Mock Orange (Murraya paniculata). Both have their unique characteristics and benefits, so let’s dive in and explore which might be the best fit!

Lilly Pilly 'Resilience' (Syzygium australe)

  • Appearance and Growth

    Lilly Pilly 'Resilience' is a stand out with its glossy, deep green leaves and attractive new growth that ranges from bronze to light green. It can grow up to 3-5 meters high, making it an excellent choice for hedges, privacy screens, or as a standalone feature. This variety is known for its dense foliage, which provides excellent coverage and a lush appearance.

  • Flowers and Fruits

    In spring and summer, this plant produces small white fluffy flowers, which are followed by edible, pinkish-red berries. These berries not only add a splash of colour but are also a hit with local wildlife, including birds.

  • Toughness

    As the name 'Resilience' suggests, this variety is highly resistant to pests and diseases, particularly psyllids, which can be a common issue with other Lilly Pilly varieties. It's also drought-tolerant once established and can handle a range of soil types, making it a hardy choice for different garden conditions.

Care Tips

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Regular watering during establishment, then less frequently once mature.
• Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain shape and encourages dense growth.

Mock Orange (Murraya paniculata)

  • Appearance and Growth

    Mock Orange is celebrated for
    its lush, dark green foliage and beautiful, fragrant white flowers. This plant typically grows to about 3-5 meters tall, though it can be kept shorter with regular pruning. It’s a popular choice for hedges, topiary, and ornamental garden beds due to its dense, bushy growth habit.

  • Flowers and Fragrance

    The star of the show with Mock Orange is undoubtedly its flowers. The white blossoms, which appear in spring and summer, emit a delightful citrus fragrance reminiscent of orange blossoms, making it a fragrant addition to any garden.

  • Hardiness

    Mock Orange is a hardy plant that can withstand a range of conditions, including coastal environments. It's relatively pest-resistant, moderately drought tolerant, and can handle humidity, making it versatile for various garden settings in South East Queensland.

Care Tips

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Regular watering during establishment, then less frequently once mature. Might need a bit more during dry periods.
• Pruning: Regular pruning promotes a compact and bushy growth.

Which One to Choose?

Both Lilly Pilly 'Resilience' and Mock Orange have their own set of strengths. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Privacy and Screening:
If you need a fast-growing, dense screen, Lilly Pilly 'Resilience' might be your go-to. Its thick foliage and rapid growth make it ideal for creating privacy.

Fragrance:
If you love the idea of a garden filled with a sweet, citrusy fragrance, Mock Orange is hard to beat. Its scented flowers can transform your outdoor space.

Pest Resistance:
Lilly Pilly 'Resilience' is known for its resistance to common pests, which can be a deciding factor if you're looking for a low-maintenance option.

Wildlife Friendly:
The edible berries of Lilly Pilly 'Resilience' attract birds, adding an extra layer of life to your garden.

Ultimately, the choice between Lilly Pilly 'Resilience' and Mock Orange depends on your specific garden needs and personal preferences. Whichever you choose, both plants will add beauty, greenery, and charm to your garden.

You can use this Plant Spacing Calculator, to easily work out how many plants needed for your garden bed.