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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.
Lilly pillies (Acmena smithii, Syzygium, or Waterhousea) are a diverse group of evergreen plants. These plants are aesthetically pleasing and highly functional in landscaping. Due to their dense growth and responsiveness to pruning, they can be easily shaped into hedges or screens to create privacy and define boundaries in your garden. Additionally, their evergreen nature ensures that they maintain their attractive appearance all year round, providing a vibrant backdrop to your outdoor space.
When it comes to choosing the perfect lilly pilly for your garden, consider the various features of different types. Some lilly pillies have an incredible growth potential, reaching up to 30m tall, making them ideal for larger landscapes and creating an impressive visual impact. If you have limited space, there are cultivars available that grow to more manageable heights, making them ideal for small gardens or for growing in pots on balconies and patios.
For those seeking a pop of colour in their garden, there are lilly pillies with vibrant pink leaves, which make a striking impression in any outdoor area. The glossy green-leaved varieties, on the other hand, exude elegance, creating a sophisticated look. With such a diverse array of options, you can let your creativity run wild and design the garden of your dreams.
Lilly pillies are also an ecologically friendly choice for landscaping. Their dense foliage provides valuable shelter and nesting sites for birds, promoting biodiversity in your garden. The purple-pink edible berries are a favourite among birds and other wildlife, making lilly pillies a hub of activity for nature enthusiasts. By planting lilly pillies, you're not only enhancing the beauty of your garden but also contributing to the conservation of local flora and fauna.
Selecting the ideal location for planting Lilly Pillies is key to their successful growth in your garden. These versatile plants thrive in full sun or semi-shade conditions, making them suitable for various areas. However, they are not well-suited to frost-prone regions, although some varieties like Acmena Smithii 'Fire Screen' and 'Forest Flame' can tolerate light frost when young.
Young lilly pillies benefit from shelter. Keep them protected from strong winds that can cause moisture loss from their leaves. Once established, they exhibit remarkable toughness and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.
Lilly pillies are undemanding regarding soil types, ranging from sandy loam to heavy clay. However, more fertile soil will result in faster growth. Prepare the planting area by adding organic compost and well-rotted manure to provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure. For heavy clay soils, incorporating gypsum aids in better water penetration and root growth.
Check out our guide to maintaining healthy lilly pillies.
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.
