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common lilly pilly nz

The common lilly pilly is an increasingly popular choice in NZ gardens, beloved for its glossy leaves, fluffy flowers, and striking berries. Whether you're looking to create a lush hedge, attract birds, or introduce year-round colour, the common lilly pilly thrives in New Zealand's varying conditions and is easy to grow. If you're seeking a versatile, hardy shrub or small tree that offers privacy and beauty, read on to find out why the common lilly pilly NZ is ideal for your outdoor spaces.

Large Eugenia ventenatii hedge with red and green foliage.

Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly)

Eugenia ventenatii is a standout choice for New Zealand gardens. Eugenia ventenatii (aka Syzygium australe), commonly known as Lilly Pilly, is a fast-growing and colourful shrub. The new foliage is a striking red colour and ages to become dark green, resulting in the plant often having dual colouring. It typically grows to 4 m tall and 3 m wide and can be trimmed as necessary. This Lilly Pilly is commonly used for hedging and screening, as a backdrop for smaller plants, as a specimen plant, added to a mixed planting, or grown in a container. As a potted plant, Eugenia ventenatii looks impressive on a patio or around pool and other living areas.

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 (Lilly Pilly)

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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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What is the Common Lilly Pilly NZ?

In New Zealand, the term "common lilly pilly" typically refers to several species within the Syzygium and Eugenia genera. Most notably, Syzygium australe is one of the best-known species, prized for its dense foliage and pink to red edible fruit. Other close relatives such as Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly) and Eugenia myrtifolia (Syzygium myrtifolia) also fit the "lilly pilly" category and offer similar features that suit gardens across NZ.

Why Grow Common Lilly Pilly in NZ?

There are plenty of reasons why the common lilly pilly NZ has become a gardener’s go-to shrub:

Easy Care for Any Garden

The common lilly pilly is famously adaptable, coping with a range of soils and climates found across New Zealand. Plant in full sun to part shade, water regularly while establishing, and trim to your preferred shape. For smaller spaces or statement pots, consider dwarf species or more compact options.

Which Lilly Pilly to Choose?

If you want to explore the range beyond the common lilly pilly NZ, several close cousins offer unique characteristics:

Plant a Common Lilly Pilly in Your NZ Garden

Integrate the common lilly pilly NZ into your outdoor sanctuary for a low-maintenance, eye-catching solution to privacy, wildlife attraction, and landscape interest. Browse our full range, including Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly), Syzygium australe, and more, to find the right fit for your next garden project.


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.

You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary) and Griselinia 'Canterbury', but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Rose Flower Carpet Pink, Deutzia Compact Pink (Compact Pink Deutzia), and Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)?
–The Plant Company

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