edible lilly pilly varieties

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
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Edible lilly pilly varieties are a fantastic choice for New Zealand gardeners seeking fruiting natives that are both beautiful and productive. With glossy evergreen foliage, fluffy white or pink flowers, and an array of colourful berries, lilly pilly shrubs and trees are versatile additions to gardens, hedges, and landscapes. Many lilly pilly fruits are deliciously edible, offering crisp, tart flavours perfect for snacking or turning into jams, jellies, and sauces. If you’re selecting new plants for your garden, let’s explore some of the best edible lilly pilly varieties you can grow, tips for harvesting, and their culinary uses.

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.

Buy Eugenia ventenatii

From $26.93

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, 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.

Buy Eugenia uniflora (Surinam Cherry)

From $97.13

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

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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 Makes a Lilly Pilly Edible?

Lilly pillies belong to the Syzygium and Eugenia genera. Edible lilly pilly varieties often produce fleshy, berry-like fruit, ranging in colour from pink to red or purple. These fruits are known for their crunchy texture and zesty, slightly spicy taste. While most lilly pilly species have edible fruit, some are better suited to eating fresh or making preserves, thanks to their larger fruit size and sweeter flavour.

Top Edible Lilly Pilly Varieties in New Zealand

Syzygium australe

One of the most popular edible lilly pilly varieties, Syzygium australe produces medium to large, pinkish-red berries with a mild, apple-like flavour. This fast-growing species is ideal for hedging or screens and fruits abundantly in mid-late summer. Its berries make excellent jams and feature well in fruit salads or syrups.

Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly)

Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly) is a striking evergreen shrub that bears edible purple-red fruit. These berries are slightly tart and often used for making preserves or enjoyed fresh from the bush. This variety also brings ornamental value, thanks to its lush foliage and attractive new growth.

Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum)

If you’re seeking a unique taste among edible lilly pilly varieties, Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum) is an excellent choice. Its dark purple, almost black fruits are juicy, sweet-tart, and can be eaten straight from the tree or used for jellies and wines.

Eugenia myrtifolia (Syzygium myrtifolia)

The compact Eugenia myrtifolia (Syzygium myrtifolia) produces small, brilliant red berries. These are edible and lend themselves perfectly to sauces, chutneys, and garnishes. The plant’s dense habit makes it a favourite for hedging or container growing.

Using and Enjoying Your Lilly Pilly Harvest

All edible lilly pilly varieties are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a healthy homegrown treat. Fresh fruit can be enjoyed raw, but is often used in chutneys, cordials, desserts, or baking. The attractive berries can be harvested in late summer to early autumn, and the shrubs are generally low maintenance in New Zealand gardens.

For adventurous cooks, consider planting Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove) as well. Although primarily harvested for its aromatic flower buds, the tree is a fascinating addition to any edible garden.

Grow Your Own Edible Lilly Pilly Varieties

With their ornamental beauty and fruitful harvest, edible lilly pilly varieties are a rewarding investment for gardeners across New Zealand. They thrive in full sun to part shade, tolerate coastal conditions, and are relatively pest and disease-resistant. Explore our range, including Syzygium australe, Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly), and other outstanding species, to start your edible garden journey today.

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.