big red lilly pilly

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

If you’re searching for an eye-catching evergreen for your New Zealand garden, the big red lilly pilly is sure to impress. This stunning native tree, prized for its vivid red new growth and glossy green leaves, makes a striking addition to landscapes both large and small. Whether you’re looking to create a privacy hedge, enhance a native garden, or simply want a beautiful specimen tree, the big red lilly pilly offers versatility and hardy performance. Its vibrant foliage, attractive berries, and low-maintenance habits make it a favourite among gardeners across the country.

Eugenia uniflora

Eugenia uniflora (Surinam Cherry) is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy foliage, colourful new growth, white flowers, and distinctive edible fruit. The ribbed berries ripen through shades of orange to deep red and add strong seasonal interest to warm New Zealand gardens.

Buy Eugenia uniflora

From $50.99

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 4.00 m

Spread: 2.50 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal

Garden uses: Culinary, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen, Walls

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Eugenia, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like eugenia tree, and dwarf lilly pilly nz.

Search Eugenia Szygium

Why Choose Big Red Lilly Pilly for Your Garden

Big red lilly pilly stands out not only for its colour and beauty but also for its practical uses. Its dense, bushy growth is perfect for screening and hedging, offering privacy while acting as a windbreak. This plant thrives in a variety of conditions—sunny or partially shaded spots—and is tolerant of both coastal environments and urban pollution. The striking red tips on new leaves add a splash of colour throughout the year. Additionally, its edible berries attract native birds, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem in your backyard.

Planting and Care Tips

Big red lilly pilly is surprisingly easy to grow. For best results, plant in well-drained soil with regular watering during dry spells. Once established, this tree is drought-tolerant and requires minimal pruning, making it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners. For the healthiest, fullest growth, mulch around the base and apply slow-release fertiliser in the spring. Hedge varieties can be trimmed to your desired shape and height—whether you prefer a formal hedge or a more relaxed, natural screen.

Complementary Plants and Related Varieties

If you love the big red lilly pilly, you might also enjoy exploring other members of the Lilly Pilly and Eugenia family. For unique garden designs, consider pairing your big red lilly pilly with Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly), another hardy evergreen renowned for its attractive foliage and edible fruits. For those interested in tree forms, Syzygium australe offers wonderful versatility and lush green leaves. Looking for a tropical twist? Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum) provides glossy foliage and rich, purple berries. If you prefer compact shrubs, Eugenia myrtifolia (Syzygium myrtifolia) is ideal for mixed hedges and borders, while Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove) brings aromatic spice to your planting scheme.

Get Started With Big Red Lilly Pilly

Choosing the big red lilly pilly for your garden delivers year-round beauty and practical benefits. It’s an adaptable, resilient plant that fits right in with New Zealand’s diverse environments. Browse through our range of Lilly Pilly and Eugenia varieties to discover the perfect plant for your space and enjoy a vibrant, thriving garden all year round.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Gardenia radicans and Lomandra 'Tanika' turn heads, but Pyracantha 'Brilliant' (Fire Thorn), Nashi 'Hosui', and Buddleia 'Lochinch' quietly charm the most seasoned gardeners.

–The Plant Company