Our Guide to Lilly Pillies | Recommendations for Hedging & Screening Trees

Lilly Pilly is the common name grouping given to trees in the Acmena, Syzygium and Waterhousea genera.

They are popular lines for ornamental landscaping and in particular for hedging and screening, where fresh new growth often starts out an attractive pinkish-red colour turning green as foliage matures. Their ability to hedge and screen make them a cherished and versatile landscape tree.

We can't forget that another identifying characteristic of lily pillies are the cream, red or purple berries they produce. Considered a deterrent to purchase for some people, they are an important characteristic of the group and easily minimised if the tree or trees are pruned directly after flowering. 

With a berry management plan in mind, the use of Acmena, Syzygium and Waterhousea in the landscape is highly valued, as options for formal or informal blockout, and as selections for defining space and in giving structure to landscape designs. Some say they are the backbone of Australian backyards.

While there are many lines and varieties to consider on the market, the following selections are tried and true performers, and ones we highly recommend.

For narrow spaces try:

Syzygium 'Straight and Narrow' growing 5-8m tall x 1-1.5m wide
Syzygium 'Backyard Bliss' growing 3-4m tall x 1-2m wide

For bigger spaces try:

Acmena 'Sublime' growing 5m tall x 2-3m wide
Szyzgium 'Hinterland Gold' growing 6m tall x 3m wide
Waterhousea 'Whisper' growing 8m tall x 5m wide*

All are suitable for growing as a formal hedge (clipped to shape) or informal screen

*Waterhousea floribunda 'Whisper' is our most popular tree line for screening off structures or neighbours.