Forest Flame Lilly Pilly

Forest Flame Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii 'Forest Flame') is the fine-leaved lilly pilly for gardeners who want a hedge that looks tailored rather than bulky. It grows to about 2m high and 1m wide, or can be clipped under 1m, and its new growth emerges deep red, sometimes almost maroon, before maturing to green. The small slender leaves make it a native answer to nandina.

Why you'll love it

• Fine, slender leaves. The small leaf gives a neat, delicate texture that suits formal gardens and clips into crisp edges.
• Deep red new growth. Fresh shoots open red to maroon and age to green. Clipping the plant regularly encourages more of that colourful new leaf.
• A height to suit you. Let it reach 2m for a slim screen, or keep it clipped under 1m for a low hedge or border.
• Compact and tidy. A slender habit that fits narrow beds, courtyards and large pots without taking over.
• Flowers and fruit for wildlife. Small fluffy flowers in summer are followed by white-purple fruit, and the plant gives shelter and food to insects and birds.

Where it works best

Low hedges and borders. Plant 60cm apart in a single row and clip to 1m or less for a dense formal edge. The fine leaves hold a sharp line better than the larger leaved lilly pillies.

Screens to 2m. Left unclipped, the same 60cm spacing gives a slim green screen about 2m high, enough to hide fences, bins and low windows.

Topiary and containers. It takes clipping into balls, cubes and standards well, and large pots on terraces and entries suit it. Keep container plants watered through summer.

Growing Forest Flame Lilly Pilly in Australia

Position and climate. A sunny spot gives the best colour and the densest growth. It tolerates light frost only, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and cooler gardens where frosts are light. Shelter it from strong wind and salt spray.

Soil. Well drained soil is the key. On heavy clay, build a low mound and work in compost so the roots never sit in water.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, then water through long dry spells. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser in autumn and spring.

Pruning. Prune as required. Frequent light clipping keeps the plant compact and triggers the red new growth, while an unclipped plant shows more green.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Forest Flame Lilly Pilly as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and as single 300mm pots. Tubes are the economical choice for a long hedge. The 140mm and 200mm packs give a sturdier start, and the 300mm pots suit a hedge line you want in the first year.

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

• Lilly pilly care guide: choosing, planting and pruning
• Low hedge plants under 1 metre for front gardens
• See every lilly pilly we grow
• Plants for topiary and shaping

Common questions

How low can I clip it?

Under 1m is fine. Many gardeners keep it as a low formal hedge, and clipping low encourages more of the colourful new growth. Start clipping while the plant is young so the base fills out.

How far apart should I plant it?

Sixty centimetres apart for a hedge. That suits the 1m mature width and closes the line in a couple of seasons without crowding the bases.

Why is my new growth not red?

Red appears on fresh shoots, so an unclipped plant or one in shade shows mostly green. Trim lightly to prompt new growth, plant in a sunny spot and feed in autumn and spring.