Waterhousia floribunda (Weeping Lilly Pilly)

Weeping Lilly Pilly (Waterhousea floribunda) is the screen to plant when a fence height hedge will not do. In an open garden it settles at about 10m tall and 5m wide, with long willowy leaves that hang from the branch tips and move in the lightest breeze. This listing is an ex ground specimen lifted from the field at 7.5m to 8.5m, so the screen is standing the day it goes in.

Why you'll love it

• Screening at genuine height. At around 10m it blocks a neighbouring upper floor, which no clipped hedging lilly pilly will do.
• A soft weeping outline. The pendulous foliage gives movement and shade without the hard edge of a formal hedge.
• It handles wet ground. Naturally a creek bank tree, so it tolerates wet feet and heavy soil that would drown most large screens.
• Native, bird friendly and edible. Cream summer flowers are followed by pale berries the birds work through, and the fruit is edible.
• Built for exposure. Wind firm and comfortable in humidity, so open subtropical boundaries suit it.

Where it works best

Screening and privacy. Plant 2m apart in a single row. Tighter spacing crowds the trunks without closing the gap any sooner.

Shade and avenues. A single tree carries a broad weeping canopy over a lawn or driveway. Allow the full 5m of width so the skirt is not forced upright.

Windbreaks and damp corners. Wet feet tolerance makes it one of the few tall screens for a low, poorly drained boundary, and the canopy filters wind rather than fighting it.

Growing Weeping Lilly Pilly in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the densest canopy; part shade works with a looser habit. This is a tropical, subtropical and warm temperate tree, and it takes light frost only, so hard frosting inland districts, the tablelands and cold southern gardens want a hardier screen.

Soil. Not fussy about type, and unusually forgiving of heavy or damp ground. Work compost through the backfill and mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. A transplanted tree this size wants a deep soak two or three times a week through its first summer while the root ball rebuilds. Feed a controlled release native fertiliser in early spring and late summer.

Pruning. Trim the sides once or twice a year to hold a screen line. It reshoots from old wood, so it can be cut back hard if it outgrows the space.

What to expect when it arrives

This is an ex ground tree, field grown and lifted rather than raised in a pot. It arrives with a heavy wrapped root ball and needs machinery, clear site access and a hole prepared before it lands. Expect a thinner canopy and some leaf drop for the first few months while the roots re-establish, which is normal at this size, then strong growth from the second season.

Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, delivered Australia wide, with a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete weeping lilly pilly care guide
• Browse other ex ground advanced trees
• Compare the full lilly pilly range
• Hedging and screening plants for every height

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a screen?

Two metres apart in a single row. That closes into a continuous wall within a couple of seasons while leaving each tree room to keep its lower branches.

How big does it actually get?

In rainforest it can pass 20m, but about 10m tall and 5m wide is realistic in an open garden. An annual trim holds it well below that.

What is involved in planting a tree this size?

Machinery and clear access. Dig the hole before the tree arrives, arrange a crane or loader for the root ball, and stake it for the first two years.