Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

lili pili tree

The lili pili tree is one of the most popular and versatile plants for New Zealand gardens. Known for its lush evergreen foliage, beautiful flowers, and colourful berries, the lili pili (sometimes spelled lilly pilly) offers year-round interest and makes an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or as a striking feature tree. Whether you're establishing a privacy hedge, adding a splash of colour to your landscape, or seeking bird-friendly planting options, the lili pili tree is a fantastic option for both novice and seasoned gardeners.

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

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search Eugenia Szygium

What is a Lili Pili Tree?

The lili pili tree refers to a group of closely related evergreen trees and shrubs in the Syzygium and Eugenia genera. These plants are prized for their glossy green leaves, fluffy white or pale pink flowers, and edible magenta or red berries. One of the most widely planted species in New Zealand is Syzygium australe, known for its fast growth and resilience. Other varieties, such as Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly) and Eugenia myrtifolia (Syzygium myrtifolia), also enjoy popularity for their ornamental value and adaptability.

Uses for Lili Pili Trees in the Garden

The lili pili tree is favoured for its dense foliage, making it an exceptional natural privacy screen or windbreak. It can be lightly clipped for formal hedging, grown as a shapely small specimen tree, or even maintained in pots for patio greenery. The fluffy blooms attract pollinators, while the berries provide food for birds and can be used for jams or jellies. For edible gardening enthusiasts, closely related species like Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum) and Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove) can further diversify your productive garden spaces.

Growing and Caring for Lili Pili Trees

The lili pili tree thrives in most New Zealand conditions, preferring a sunny to part-shaded spot with well-drained soil. Regular watering during establishment and a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring will support healthy growth. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain the desired shape and encourage dense new foliage. Most lili pili varieties are resistant to pests and diseases, though occasional leaf psyllids may appear in humid climates.

Popular Lili Pili Varieties

Selecting the right lili pili tree for your space depends on your garden goals. If you’re seeking a fast-growing privacy solution, Syzygium australe is a top choice. For smaller spaces or ornamental plantings, Eugenia myrtifolia (Syzygium myrtifolia) offers striking red new growth and compact form. Showier flowers and unique berries make Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly) a favourite with plant collectors.

Explore our full range of lili pili tree options and discover the perfect variety to enhance your New Zealand home garden. With the right selection and care, lili pili will thrive for years, providing beauty, privacy, and ecological value season after season.


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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews