Blush Satinash

Blush Satinash (Acmena hemilampra, now classified as Syzygium hemilamprum) is an Australian rainforest tree that reaches about 8m in a garden and up to 15m in rainforest. It has glossy green leaves with bright copper-tan new growth, small white flowers and white edible berries, and it establishes quickly enough to plant as a tall hedge. It is also called broadleaf lilly pilly.

Why you'll love it

• Coloured new growth. Fresh leaves flush copper-tan to russet-red against the glossy green, which gives colour long after flowering.
• Flowers, then fruit. Clusters of small white flowers are followed by white berries that are edible and that wildlife enjoy.
• Quick to establish. It fills out fast enough to use as a hedge, which suits anyone who wants cover sooner rather than later.
• Coastal and humidity ready. It tolerates exposed coastal planting, sandy soils and humid air, a hard combination to find.
• A true native. A rainforest tree found from northern NSW to the tip of Cape York, so it supports Australian wildlife.

Where it works best

Tall hedges and screens. Plant 1m apart in a single row and clip to the height you need. It forms a dense, glossy screen.

Feature tree. In a native or rainforest style garden, plant a single tree and give it plenty of room, well away from buildings, because it grows to about 8m.

Coastal gardens. It handles exposed coastal planting and sandy soil, so it suits seaside blocks that need a robust green backdrop.

Growing Blush Satinash in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade in a well drained position. It is at home in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens and in humid air. It tolerates moderate frost once established, but in cooler gardens give young plants a sheltered spot.

Soil. It prefers well drained soil, and sandy soils suit it.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for around 12 weeks until established. Fertilise in spring with a slow release native fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote a dense habit and more flowers. Hedges can be clipped to height at the same time.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Blush Satinash as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Larger sizes are 140mm pots in packs of 10, 200mm pots in packs of 6 and 300mm pots, sold singly. Tubes are the value choice for a long hedge, while the bigger pots give an immediate start and a taller plant on day one. Plants travel upright and settle within a few weeks in warm soil.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full lilly pilly range
• More syzygium plants
• More Australian native trees
• Lilly pilly care guide: choosing, planting and pruning

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 1m apart in a single row. It establishes quickly, so the plants close up into a continuous screen, and clipping after flowering keeps the height where you want it.

How big does it get?

About 8m in a garden, and up to 15m in rainforest settings. Clipped as a hedge, you can hold it at whatever height suits the site.

Are the berries edible?

Yes. The white berries that follow the spring flowers are edible, and birds and other wildlife will take their share too.