lili pili tree

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

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.

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.

Buy Eugenia uniflora (Surinam Cherry)

From $50.99

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

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. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like dwarf lilly pilly, and lilly pilly hedge bunnings.

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.

Zephyranthes candida and Rhododendron Vireya 'Pink Jazz' are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Coprosma 'Midnight Martini', Gardenia 'Professor Pucci', and Phormium 'Surfer Bronze'.

–The Plant Company