Big Red Lilly Pilly

Big Red Lilly Pilly (Syzygium australe 'Big Red') is the screening lilly pilly for gardeners who want the hedge to do more than be green. Left untrimmed it reaches about 4.5m tall and 2.5m wide, and every flush of new growth comes through a deep glossy red before hardening to dark green. Trim it twice a year and it holds comfortably at 2m to 3m, red tipped for weeks after each cut.

Why you'll love it

• Red new growth on demand. Every trim triggers another flush of bright red foliage, so the hedge changes through the year.
• You set the height. About 4.5m left alone, or an easy 2m to 3m hedge with two trims a year. It reshoots from old wood, so a neglected plant can be brought back.
• Fast, and native. A fast growing Australian native with white flowers followed by edible berries that bring in the birds.
• It handles awkward ground. Salt tolerant, humidity tolerant, drought tolerant once established and tolerant of wet feet, so damp corners and coastal blocks are both fair game.

Where it works best

Hedging and screening. Plant 1m apart in a single row for a dense screen. Closer spacing does not close the gap any faster and makes watering and trimming harder. For a taller untrimmed boundary, stretch to 1.5m.

Topiary, pots and feature planting. Single plants shape well, so the larger sizes suit a clipped pair at an entry or a standard in a courtyard. A pot 500mm or wider holds it at roughly 1.5m to 2m.

Growing Big Red Lilly Pilly in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the densest hedge and the strongest red on new growth. Part shade works but the screen stays looser. Suited to tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens. It takes light frost only, so hard frosting districts should choose a hardier hedge.

Soil. Not fussy about type and more forgiving of damp ground than most screening plants. Work compost through the bed before planting and mulch 75mm deep, clear of the stems.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first summer, then taper off. A controlled release native fertiliser in early spring and late summer keeps the red flushes coming.

Pruning. Tip prune from the day you plant, which builds density at the base. Trim after the spring flush and again in late summer, since each cut brings on the next round of red. Watch new growth for psyllid pimpling and prune affected tips out.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in six sizes. The 140mm pack of ten and the 200mm pack of six are young single stemmed plants and the value choice for a long boundary: a season slower to close, but quick to establish. The 250mm pack of three and the 300mm pot are the middle ground, while the 400mm and the 90L arrive branched and carrying real height.

Plants are packed to travel upright, and some leaf drop or bronzing after transit is normal. Expect a quiet fortnight, then new growth within four to six weeks in warm weather. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete lilly pilly care guide
• Compare varieties in the lilly pilly range
• Weigh up other hedging and screening plants
• What else suits a 4m to 8m screen

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

One metre apart in a single row. That closes into a solid screen within two to three seasons and leaves room for a hose and a trimmer while the plants fill out.

Can I keep it at 2m?

Yes. Two trims a year hold it at 2m to 3m, and because it reshoots from old wood it stays furnished at the base.

Will it grow in a damp part of the garden?

Better than most screening plants. It tolerates wet feet, so a corner that stays damp after rain is workable, though it still prefers ground that drains.