Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Trees
Exotic (Australian) | Easy Care | Small tree / hedge plant
The lilly pilly is one of the most popular hedging and screening plants in South African coastal gardens, and for good reason. It is a dense, evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves, attractive coppery-pink new growth, small white fluffy flowers and magenta-purple berries that bring the birds.
It clips into a tight, formal hedge or can be grown as a neat standard or lollipop on a single stem. It grows fast, fills in quickly, and handles coastal conditions including wind and salt air. It has a shallow, non-invasive root system, so it is safe near paving and structures.
Up to 4 m tall if left unchecked; easily kept at any height with regular clipping.
Fast.
Formal or informal hedge, screen, topiary, standard tree, container. The go-to hedging plant for many coastal properties.
Full sun to light shade. One of its strengths is growing well in spots where the light changes through the day, such as narrow passages between buildings.
Fertile, well-drained soil with compost worked in. Handles sandy coastal soil with regular feeding.
Water regularly while establishing and during dry spells. It is not as drought-tolerant as many indigenous options, so it needs more attention in extended dry weather.
Feed in spring and autumn with a balanced fertiliser. It is a reasonably hungry plant, especially when grown as a clipped hedge.
Clips beautifully into any shape. Prune two to three times a year to maintain a formal hedge. Light, frequent trimming gives a denser result than one heavy annual cut.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of trees and large shrubs. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right tree for your spot.
