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lilli pilli

Searching for the perfect lilli pilli to enhance your New Zealand garden? You’re not alone. Known for their striking foliage, bountiful berries, and fast-growing hedging potential, lilli pilli (sometimes spelled lilly pilly) are versatile evergreen shrubs and small trees from the Myrtaceae family. Whether you want dense screening for privacy, a colourful feature tree, or a low-maintenance plant that attracts native birds, lilli pilli varieties are a top pick for Kiwi 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

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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 a lilli pilli?

Lilli pilli is a common name given to several species in the Syzygium and Eugenia genera. These hardy, adaptable plants feature glossy green leaves, fluffy white or pink flowers in spring, and bright red or purple berries later in the season. They’re highly valued for their resilience to trimming, making them superb for formal hedges or topiary, but can also be grown as small ornamental trees.

If you’re curious about specific species, the Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly) is a popular shrub variety that’s well-suited for lush edible gardens and ornamental uses. Another reliable choice is Syzygium australe, renowned for its compact habit and edible berries perfect for jams or snacking.

Uses for lilli pilli in your garden

Lilli pilli are the go-to solution for quick, attractive privacy screens. Their rapid growth and dense branching provide excellent coverage, shielding your home from wind, noise, or prying eyes. You can shape them into formal hedges or let them grow freely for a natural look.

Beyond hedging, lilli pilli make striking feature plants thanks to their colourful new foliage and showy berries. The fruits are a magnet for native birds such as tui and silvereye, and many Kiwis enjoy making jellies and sauces from their harvest.

If you’re exploring more varieties, consider Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum), a robust tree with glossy leaves and deep purple fruit, or Eugenia myrtifolia (Syzygium myrtifolia), which gives lush, year-round foliage and compact growth.

How to grow lilli pilli in New Zealand

Lilli pilli are well adapted to New Zealand conditions—happiest in full sun to part shade and tolerant of a range of soil types, provided the site has good drainage. For hedges, plant lilli pilli about one metre apart for a dense screen, and keep your young plants well-watered as they establish.

Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and helps keep your hedge neat and compact. Most lilli pilli cope well with wind and light frosts but appreciate a sheltered spot in colder regions. With a simple mulch and annual feed, you will be rewarded with healthy, vigorous growth.

Lilli pilli and related plants

If you love the look and performance of lilli pilli, you might also be interested in related Myrtaceae family members. Alongside Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly) and Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum), the fragrant Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove) is a fascinating tree grown for its aromatic flower buds.

Looking for your next landscaping hero? Browse these outstanding varieties and experience the versatility and beauty lilli pilli can bring to your garden.


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 know Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green', but have you met Camellia 'Brushfields Yellow', Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine), and Radermachera sinica? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

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