Cherry Surprise Lilly Pilly

Cherry Surprise Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii 'Cherry Surprise') is a medium native hedging plant that grows to about 3m tall and 1.5m wide. Small, neat leaves flush deep cherry red when young, and the plant is psyllid resistant, so the new growth stays clean. It is slender for its height, which means less clipping.

Why you'll love it

• Deep cherry red new growth. Each flush of young leaves arrives in rich red before ageing to green, so a clipped hedge keeps showing colour through the year.
• Psyllid resistant. The new growth stays clean, without the pitted, distorted leaves that psyllids cause on susceptible lilly pillies.
• Slender for its height. At 3m by 1.5m it is over head height but narrow, so a hedge needs less clipping and takes up less ground.
• Native and wildlife friendly. An Australian native that suits wildlife gardens, with small white summer flowers on mature plants followed by berries that birds enjoy.
• Broad uses. It is used for hedges, screens, topiary and windbreaks across most of the country.

Where it works best

Hedges and screens. Plant 80cm apart in a single row. At that spacing the plants knit into a dense hedge within a few seasons, well over head height.

Topiary and clipped forms. The small leaves clip cleanly into balls, cones or formal shapes, and every trim brings a new flush of red.

Windbreaks and wildlife gardens. A row along a boundary filters wind and gives shelter, and it suits a planting that welcomes birds.

Growing Cherry Surprise Lilly Pilly in Australia

Position and climate. Sunny to part shade positions. It suits most areas of Australia and tolerates light frost once established, but it is not for very cold, frosty locations.

Soil. Free draining soil. Avoid poorly drained ground and heavy clay, which are the main causes of failure. On heavy soil, plant on a raised mound.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, especially while the plants are young. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in autumn and again in spring.

Pruning. Prune as required to promote new growth. Each trim brings fresh red leaves, so many gardeners clip little and often.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Cherry Surprise Lilly Pilly as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The tube is supplied by our grower and is not always available. If it is sold out, the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Expect a small, leafy plant, with the red new growth showing as it settles in warm weather.

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 lilly pilly range
• Lilly pilly care guide for choosing, planting and pruning
• Best hedging plants
• How to create a great hedge and keep it sharp

Common questions

How far apart do I plant Cherry Surprise for a hedge?

Plant 80cm apart in a single row. Its slender 1.5m width means that spacing closes the gaps without crowding the plants.

Is it psyllid resistant?

Yes, which keeps the red new growth free of the pitting that psyllids cause. Good drainage and regular water keep the plant healthy.

Will it grow in heavy clay?

It does not like heavy clay or very wet soil. If your soil is heavy, plant on a raised mound or choose a different plant.