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big red lilly pilly

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.

Large Eugenia ventenatii hedge with red and green foliage.

Eugenia ventenatii

Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly) is a popular evergreen shrub known for its dense foliage, glossy leaves, and attractive new growth. It performs very well in New Zealand conditions and is widely used for hedging, screening, and topiary. This versatile plant provides year round structure and responds well to trimming. Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly) is ideal for creating privacy and adding greenery to any garden.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
eugenia-uniflora-surinam-cherry-

Eugenia uniflora (Surinam Cherry)

Eugenia uniflora, commonly known as the Surinam or Brazilian Cherry, is a small tree that features new foliage which emerges a bronze colour and ages to become dark green. The somewhat dense foliage is adorned with star-shaped, red fruits during summer. It typically grows to 6 m tall and 3.5 m wide, but can be trimmed as necessary. Eugenia uniflora is commonly used for hedging and screening, planted as a backdrop for smaller plants, grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 3.50 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
Eugenia ventenatii

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Eugenia, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs and Evergreen Trees.

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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.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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