SYZYGIUM luehmannii (Small Leaved Lilly Pilly)

Small Leaved Lilly Pilly (Syzygium luehmannii), better known as riberry, is the elegant one in the lilly pilly family. The leaves are finer than most, the new growth flushes bright pink several times a year, and it settles at about 7m tall and 4m wide in a garden. This listing is a field grown tree supplied at 5m to 5.5m, so it screens from the day it goes in.

Why you'll love it

• Pink new growth, repeatedly. Each flush comes through coppery pink before hardening to green, giving colour without flowers.
• Edible fruit the birds also want. Small red riberries follow the cream flowers, tart and clove scented, and long used in bush foods.
• Native, fast growing and pet friendly. An eastern Australian rainforest tree that puts on height quickly, and it is not toxic to cats or dogs.
• Handles exposure. Coastal and salt tolerant, wind tolerant and comfortable in humidity, so it holds up on an open or seaside block.

Where it works best

Screening and privacy. The usual spacing is 1.5m apart for a dense screen. At the advanced size sold here most buyers plant a widely spaced line or a single tree, since each already carries a full canopy.

Hedging. It clips well and reshoots readily, so it can be held at 3m to 4m with two trims a year rather than left to reach 7m.

Feature planting. As a single specimen the fine foliage and pink flushes carry a front garden on their own.

Growing Small Leaved Lilly Pilly in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the densest growth, though it accepts part shade. This is a tropical, subtropical and warm temperate tree. It takes light frost only, so cold inland districts, the tablelands and hard frosting southern gardens are not for it.

Soil. Deep, well drained soil with organic matter worked through. A rainforest margin tree, it appreciates moisture but never waterlogging. Mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. An advanced tree needs deep watering two or three times a week through its first two summers while the root ball knits into the surrounding soil. Feed a controlled release native fertiliser in early spring and late summer.

Pruning. Tip prune after each flush to thicken the canopy. It reshoots from old wood, so an oversized tree can be cut back hard and will refurnish.

What to expect when it arrives

This is an ex ground tree, grown in the field and lifted with a root ball rather than raised in a pot. It comes in one size, 5m to 5.5m, and is currently on backorder, so expect a lead time while stock is prepared for lifting. You are buying an established specimen with real trunk calibre and canopy.

Trees this size need a prepared hole, machinery or several people to place, and staking for two seasons. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, quoted for the tree and your access. We deliver Australia wide, with a minimum order of $300 before delivery and a 30 day healthy plant guarantee. Expect some leaf drop after transplanting, then a strong flush once the roots move out.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read our lilly pilly care guide.
• Compare varieties in the lilly pilly range.
• Browse other ex ground advanced trees.
• See our guide to transplanting trees.

Common questions

How big does it really get?

Around 7m tall and 4m wide in a garden. The 30m figure quoted for riberry applies to old rainforest specimens competing for light, not to open grown trees.

Is the fruit worth eating?

Yes. The small red riberries are tart with a clove note, good in jams and syrups, and the birds take their share.

Can I keep it as a hedge at this size?

You can. Trim after each flush and hold it at 3m to 4m. It shoots from old wood, so the base stays furnished rather than lifting into bare trunks.

Is it safe for pets?

Yes. Riberry is not toxic to cats or dogs, and the fruit is edible for people too, which suits a family yard.