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lilly pilly hedge spacing

Lilly pilly hedge spacing is one of the most important factors to consider when planting a lush, dense screen in your New Zealand garden. Many gardeners choose lilly pilly species for fast-growing privacy hedges, glossy foliage, and colourful berries, but optimal spacing ensures your hedge thrives. Whether you’re after a tight formal wall or a relaxed, evergreen barrier, understanding how far apart to plant each lilly pilly is key to getting healthy growth and a seamless finish.

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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Why Proper Lilly Pilly Hedge Spacing Matters

Selecting the right lilly pilly hedge spacing directly impacts the look and health of your hedge. Correct spacing helps to:

For most lilly pilly varieties, such as Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly), a spacing of 80 cm to 1 metre between each plant is ideal for a typical privacy hedge. If you want a very thick hedge or need privacy quickly, you can plant them 60 to 80 cm apart, but more regular trimming will be needed.

Choosing a Lilly Pilly Species and Spacing

Different lilly pilly species have slightly varied growth habits, so their spacing can be tailored depending on your project:

Planting and Caring for Your Hedge

Before planting, enrich your soil with compost and ensure adequate drainage. Mark out your desired lilly pilly hedge spacing with string or bamboo canes to keep your line even. Water your plants deeply after planting and mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Regular trimming, especially in the first few years, will encourage bushiness and help your hedge fill out. Feed your hedge with a slow-release fertiliser in spring for best results. Keep an eye out for psyllids, the most common lilly pilly pest, and prune away any lightly affected growth.

Find the Best Lilly Pilly for Your Hedge

Whatever your garden style, finding the best lilly pilly species and getting the spacing right sets you up for hedge success. Explore our nursery’s top selections, including Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly), Syzygium australe, Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum), Eugenia myrtifolia (Syzygium myrtifolia), and Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove). With expert planting and attention to spacing, your lilly pilly hedge will provide years of beauty, shelter, and privacy.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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