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lilli pilli hedge

A lilli pilli hedge is a top choice for Kiwi gardeners seeking a lush, fast-growing and versatile privacy screen. Loved for its glossy foliage, fluffy white flowers, and colourful berries, lilli pilli hedges are adaptable to different styles and climates, thriving in both urban backyards and country gardens. If you’re searching for a resilient evergreen hedge that provides an elegant look and shelter from wind and noise, a lilli pilli hedge could be the perfect solution.

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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Why Choose a Lilli Pilli Hedge?

Lilli pilli hedge varieties are known for their dense growth habit, making them ideal for privacy, windbreaks, and shelterbelts. They respond well to regular pruning, allowing you to maintain both formal shapes and soft, informal screens. Lilli pillis boast a strong tolerance to trimming, drought, and mild frosts, making them a low-maintenance hedge option for New Zealand gardeners.

Best Lilli Pilli hedge Varieties for New Zealand

Several species are popular picks for a lilli pilli hedge, each offering unique features:

How to Plant and Care for a Lilli Pilli Hedge

The key to a thriving lilli pilli hedge is choosing a sunny or partly shaded site with well-drained soil. Space your plants according to their mature width—for most varieties, between 80 centimetres and 1 metre apart is ideal. Water regularly during establishment, add mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, and fertilise in spring for the best growth.

Tip-prune your hedge a few times during the growing season to encourage bushy growth and maintain your desired height and shape. Established lilli pilli hedges are highly drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance.

Common Questions About Lilli Pilli Hedges

A lilli pilli hedge rarely suffers from pests or diseases but may occasionally attract psyllids. Look for resistant varieties or treat infestations promptly with eco-friendly solutions. Most lilli pilli species are non-invasive and bird-friendly, adding colour and life to your landscape.

Whether you prefer Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly), Syzygium australe, or another favourite, a lilli pilli hedge is an investment in lasting beauty and privacy for your New Zealand garden.


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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.

From trusted favourites like Lomandra White Sands and Azara microphylla to fresh faces like Sansevieria Black Coral, Kniphofia Pineapple Popsicle (Torchlily), and Westringia Lilac and Lace — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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