The Lilly Pilly, also known as Syzgium, is a type of plant commonly used for hedging in Australia. It’s an evergreen shrub that produces clusters of small, cylindrical white or pink flowers and fruits that resemble lychees.
It comes in a variety of different sizes and shapes including small shrubs, tall shrubs and trees, with a vast range of leaf colours, shapes and textures.
Due to its easy-to-trim form, durable nature and evergreen nature the Lilly Pilly is an ideal choice for hedging. Varieties such as ‘Bush Emerald’ and ‘Ideal Hedge’ are popular choices for hedging due to their fast growth and glossy green leaves.
They are also tolerant of a wide range of soils and climates, making them suitable to most Australian gardens. For a neat and low hedging look, the dwarf varieties, such as ‘Compacta’, are a great choice and can be kept at a maximum height of 1 metre.
It is important to ensure that Lilly Pillies are pruned regularly to ensure a healthy, evenly shaped hedge.
As well as its use in hedging, the Lilly Pilly is also great for creating topiary and windbreaks. Its foliage creates an attractive backdrop for flower beds and its bright berries add an extra pop of colour in the garden.
Its versatility makes the Lilly Pilly a great plant choice for any garden.
How long does it take to grow a Lilly Pilly hedge?
It depends on the size and type of Lilly Pilly hedge you are growing, and the conditions in which you are growing it. Generally, it can take between 18 and 24 months to grow a Lilly Pilly hedge from planting to the desired height.
In the early stages, it is likely the plants will initially grow quite slowly, sometimes only a few inches a year, while they form strong root systems below the soil. After a couple of years, when the plants are established, they are likely to start growing much faster and you may expect them to grow 2 or even 6 inches a year.
To ensure your Lilly Pilly hedge grows quickly and remains healthy, it’s important to give it the right conditions. Make sure the soil is well-draining, and keep it well-watered during the establishment phase particularly.
If the soil isn’t quite right, it may be worth enriching the soil with organic matter. And of course, don’t forget to give your Lilly Pilly hedge regular pruning to help it form a strong, dense hedge.
Is Lilly Pilly a tree or hedge?
Lilly Pilly (Syzygium paniculatum) is a versatile shrub that can be used either as a hedge or a tree. It is a medium sized evergreen with a wide, bushy growth habit that can reach up to 6m in height if not pruned.
The plant has glossy dark green foliage and produces clusters of rose-red flowers, which are followed by edible pink to red fruits. When used as a hedge, the Lilly Pilly can be kept to around 2 metres in height and width, or can be pruned to any desired shape.
This makes it a great choice for boundary hedges or as a privacy screen. When used as a tree, it can offer a stunning feature in any garden. It may need to be supported with a stake as it grows and can be shaped into an elegant form.
The Lilly Pilly is a beautiful addition to any garden and can easily be used as either a hedge or a tree.
How do you plant Lilly Pilly Hedges?
Planting lilly pilly hedges can be quite simple once you know how. The first step is to choose the type of hedge that you want. You can buy cuttings from a nursery or you can save money by taking your own cuttings from an existing plant.
Once you have decided on the type of hedge, here are the steps to follow:
1. Choose a sunny, sheltered area with well-draining soil.
2. Dig a trench that is roughly twice as wide as the size of the root ball of the lilly pilly plants.
3. Place compost into the bottom of the trench and mix it into the soil.
4. Place the root balls of your lilly pilly plants in the trench and fill the trench the rest of the way with soil.
5. Water the plants deeply and mulch around them to help retain moisture.
6. Prune and shape your lilly pilly hedge as desired.
Once you have planted your lilly pilly hedge, keep it watered and free from weeds and you should have a beautiful hedge growing in no time.
What’s the fastest growing hedge?
The “fastest” growing hedge will depend on individual species, location, and environmental conditions. Generally speaking, English Yew is one of the fastest-growing hedges, with a growth rate of up to three feet a year when given ample sunlight, adequate soil, and adequate water.
Japanese Privet is another fast-growing hedge, with a growth rate of up to four feet a year. Indian Lilac, Birds Nest Spruce, and Green Giant Arborvitae are other popular hedges with fast growth rates.
One of the main considerations in determining which hedge would be the “fastest” for a given location and environment is the amount of maintenance it requires, as some fast-growing species may require more maintenance than slower-growing species.
All of these hedging plants should be able to thrive in most climates during their respective growing seasons.
Do lilly pilly have invasive roots?
No, lilly pilly typically do not have invasive roots. Certain trees, such as silver maple and willow, are known for having very aggressive root systems that can cause damage to foundations and other structures, but lilly pilly are not one of them.
Their root systems are compact and self-contained, making them suitable for residential gardens and not likely to cause any damage to hard landscaping or infrastructure. In fact, the roots of lilly pilly are perfect for erosion control, since they hold soil in place.
Additionally, lilly pilly are relatively drought tolerant, meaning that their deep root systems are able to reach water that would move too quickly for other root systems to access.
How many plants do I need for a hedge?
The exact number of plants you need for a hedge will depend on the type of hedge you’re creating. If you’re planting a formal hedge, you will need more plants, typically around 6 or 8 plants, spaced evenly apart and all the same height.
If you’re planting an informal hedge, then you will need fewer plants and can choose different heights for each one. Additionally, you will also want to take into account factors such as the size of the hedge, how fast it grows, and how much maintenance it needs in order to determine the exact number of plants you need.
It is also recommended that you allow approximately 15cm of planting space on each side of the shrub so that the plants can grow and spread without interfering with one another. Generally speaking, however, you can expect to need around 3-4 plants per metre for a formal hedge, and 2-3 plants per metre for an informal hedge.
How can I make my lilly pilly grow faster?
Firstly, be sure to plant your lilly pilly in an area of your garden that is exposed to good amounts of sunlight – ideally at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Consider whether any nearby trees, fences or buildings are blocking the sun at certain points of the day.
Secondly, the soil should be rich in nutrients and well-draining. You can incorporate compost or fertilizer into the soil before planting your lilly pilly to give it a nutrient-rich start. Thirdly, when planting, make sure the root ball is completely covered and protect the root system from freezing temperatures.
Finally, water deeply and regularly to keep your lilly pilly well-hydrated. During the summer months, you should aim to water the lilly pilly once every other day and less frequently during the winter months.
These steps combined should ensure that your lilly pilly is able to grow at an optimal rate.
Is lilly pilly poisonous to dogs?
No, lilly pilly is not poisonous to dogs. However, it is important to keep in mind that dogs and other pets may experience digestive upset if they eat certain parts of the plant, so it’s best to keep them away from lilly pilly plants and their berries.
The plant itself isn’t toxic to canines, but it’s possible for a dog to have an allergic reaction, depending on the species and age of the dog. Additionally, lilly pilly is a member of the myrtaceae family and some species of myrtaceae (namely eucalyptus, which is a different genus) are toxic to several species of animals, including dogs.
In general, it is safest to avoid letting your dog eat any type of lilly pilly, especially the fruit.
How fast do Lilly Pilly trees grow?
Lilly Pilly trees, also known as Australian Syzygium trees, are fast-growing evergreen trees that typically grow rapidly. On average, Lilly Pilly trees are capable of growing up to 24 inches in a single growing season and can reach heights of up to 49 feet.
The rate at which a Lilly Pilly tree will grow will largely depend on the specific conditions under which it is grown and the species of the tree. When growing in ideal conditions, these trees can be extremely fast growing and can reach mature heights in only a few years.
Generally, however, this type of tree is expected to take anywhere from 10 to 15 years to reach full height and width.
How long do Lilly Pillys last?
Lilly Pillys usually last between 3-7 years when they are planted in the right environment. The right environment being one that provides strong sunlight, a well-drained soil and plenty of water. If soil conditions are not ideal, the lifespan of a Lilly Pilly will be shortened.
With proper care, pruning and fertilizing, the Lilly Pilly can live for much longer.
Are Lilly Pillys good around pools?
Yes, Lilly pillys (Syzigium species) are suitable to be planted near pools. They are generally low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Additionally, they are salt-tolerant, making them an ideal choice for landscapes in coastal areas.
The foliage of lilly pilly provides an attractive backdrop for swimming pools, and its compact growth habit means it won’t interfere with pool equipment. They provide abundant shade and help limit the growth of algae and other pests in the pool.
Furthermore, lilly pillys are an excellent choice for fire retardation in and around the pool area, as they are generally slow burning, releasing less smoke and harmful conditions and helping to protect the pool area from fire hazards.
Do Lilly Pilly attract bees?
Yes, Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii) is a flowering plant that can be found growing in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. The shrub or small tree is known for its vibrant reddish-pink flowers which are known to attract bees.
Bees feed on the nectar of the Lilly Pilly flower, which is a rich source of energy for them. The flowers are plentiful and can be found in large clusters, making them a great source of food for hungry bees when in bloom.
When not in bloom, Lilly Pilly also provides bees with shelter and nesting sites, as well as nectar from the weakened flowers. These attractive and hardy plants can be seen growing in gardens and along roadsides, making them a popular refuge for bees in the area.
As such, Lilly Pilly can be considered an important part of the local ecosystem.
Are Lilly Pillies easy to grow?
Yes, Lilly Pillies are relatively easy to grow. The plants are hardy and can thrive in both partial and full sun environments as well as a variety of soil types. They don’t require a lot of water, but it is important to water them regularly.
When planting, make sure to provide adequate space between plants to allow for good air circulation. Due to the fast-growing nature of Lilly Pillies, they should be pruned regularly to ensure optimal shape and health.
It is also important to monitor for pests and diseases, as Lilly Pillies are susceptible to insect infestations. Fertilizing once or twice a year can promote healthy growth and increase foliage density.
With the proper care and maintenance, Lilly Pillies can make a beautiful addition to your garden.
What is the lifespan of a Lilly Pilly tree?
The average lifespan of a Lilly Pilly tree is 10-15 years. However, this can vary based on the specific variety and conditions that the tree is growing in. If the tree is planted in optimal growing conditions and is properly maintained, then it can live up to 20 years or longer.
Proper maintenance includes well-draining soil, adequate water, care to protect the plant from frost, disease, and pests, avoiding root disturbance, and regular pruning. Additionally, the soil’s pH level should be between 5.5 and 7.
5 for optimal growth. When cared for properly, a Lilly Pilly tree can live for many years, providing beauty and shade to any outdoor space.
When should lilly pillies be trimmed?
Lilly pillies should be trimmed during late winter or early spring when the plant is in its dormant period. This is because any pruning done in this time period allows for pruned branches to heal quickly, lowering the risks of plant stress.
It is a good idea to pre-plan the trimming of your lilly pilly as it should be done with care in order to keep its shape and minimize stress. Before trimming, it is important to consider the size and shape of the desired lilly pilly and to plan the pruning accordingly.
When trimming the lilly pilly, it is best practice to use sharp, quality bypass pruners and start by removing dead, diseased or damaged branches, then shaping the plant to the desired size and shape.
When pruning, select the desired proportions, angle, and direction of the branches rather than topping the tree or hacking away. Prune everything above the lateral shoots to preserve the natural look of the lilly pilly.
It is also recommended to prune any suckers from the trunk or branches to ensure that the lilly pilly is well-shaped and healthy.