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Plant and propagate Lilly Pillies
Lilly pillies are versatile and resilient plants with lush foliage and colourful berries, making them an excellent choice for creating a striking outdoor space. Here’s how to plant and propagate them!

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix, mulch and compost, and store products out of the reach of children and pets.

Growing from seed

Growing lilly pillies from seeds is a viable option for many varieties, but it demands patience as germination can take time. To begin, harvest the seeds from ripe fruits and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Next, place the cleaned seeds into seed trays within a warm and humid environment, such as a greenhouse. Throughout the germination process, it's important to maintain a consistently moist soil. Once the seedlings are looking robust and healthy, they can be transplanted into your garden.

Cultivating Vibrant Lilly Pillies from Seeds

Cutting and propagating

Using plant cuttings is a quicker and more reliable method of propagating lilly pillies. Take clean, 10cm-long sections of new growth using grafting knife or secateurs. Trim the top leaves and remove these from the lower half to minimise moisture loss. To encourage root development, dip the cut end into rooting hormone before planting the cutting in a premium propagation mix. Keep the cutting in a warm and humid environment while ensuring the soil remains consistently moist. (Give the soil a light mist from time to time.) Your cuttings will soon develop roots and transform into thriving young plants.

Mastering Lilly Pilly Propagation: Expert Guide to Successful Cutting Growth

Planting

To ensure successful growth, give your lilly pilly a head start during planting. You can do this by enriching the soil with an organic slow-release fertiliser to provide essential nutrients. Next, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, allowing ample space for root development. Plant the lilly pilly carefully, backfill the hole with soil, and water it thoroughly with a seaweed solution. This solution aids the plant in acclimatising to its new environment and promotes new root growth, giving your plant the best opportunity to thrive and flourish.

Nurturing Lilly Pilly Growth: Expert Planting Strategies for Thriving Outcomes

Spacing

Providing enough space between your lilly pilly plants ensures they have sufficient room to grow. Spacing also provides proper air circulation, which reduces the risk of diseases and promotes healthy development.

When laying out your new lilly pilly plants, be mindful of their robust root system. Plant them clear of water mains and sewage systems to prevent any issues in the future. Adhere to the 3:1 rule for spacing – if you want your plants to grow 2m tall, space them approximately 60 centimetres apart.

Smart Lilly Pilly Planting: Root Care, Spacing, and Growth Tips for Thriving Plants

Ready to get started?

Learn how to select and prepare for lilly pillies.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.