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lilly pilly varieties for hedging

If you're searching for the best lilly pilly varieties for hedging, you’re in the right place. Lilly pilly (Syzygium and Acmena) are much-loved in New Zealand gardens for their dense foliage, easy care, and versatility as hedging plants. Whether you want privacy, wind protection, wildlife habitat, or simply a lush green border, there’s a lilly pilly to suit every landscape and style. Below, we explore the top lilly pilly varieties for hedging, their unique features, and tips to ensure your hedge thrives all year round.

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit. This versatile plant is widely used in NZ gardens for hedging, screening, and formal planting where year round structure and privacy are desired. It responds well to trimming and forms a tidy attractive hedge with minimal effort. Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' is easy to grow, tolerant of a range of conditions, and highly valued for its reliability, fast growth, and low maintenance nature.

Buy Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

From $24.77

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Topiary

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

Syzygium 'Resilience'

Syzygium 'Resilience', commonly known as Lilly Pilly 'Resilience', is a popular evergreen shrub valued for its glossy foliage, dense growth habit, and excellent resistance to common lilly pilly pests. This attractive variety produces colourful bronze red new growth that adds year round interest to gardens throughout New Zealand. Its fast growing compact form makes it ideal for hedging, screening, topiary, and feature planting. Syzygium 'Resilience' is hardy, easy to grow, and low maintenance, making it an outstanding choice for modern landscape designs.

Buy Syzygium 'Resilience'

From $27.53

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 6.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Popular Lilly Pilly Varieties for Hedging

When choosing lilly pilly varieties for hedging, it's important to consider growth habits, leaf shape, and resistance to common pests. Here are some standout options:

Syzygium Resilience

Syzygium Resilience is a superstar for hedging, thanks to its robust growth and pest resistance. This cultivar boasts glossy green foliage, attractive new red growth, and a compact habit, making it ideal for privacy screens or formal hedges. It tolerates a wide range of conditions, from coastal wind to frost, and stays consistently dense with minimal pruning.

Syzygium australe Variegata

If you’re looking for a lilly pilly with a unique twist, Syzygium australe Variegata offers striking cream-and-green variegated leaves. This variety adds ornamental value to hedges, with its colourful new growth and moderate height. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round coverage, and it works beautifully as a decorative boundary or feature hedge.

Syzygium Winter Lights

For gardeners who appreciate vibrant colour, Syzygium Winter Lights stands out with stunning red-orange new foliage and compact growth. It’s perfect for shaping neat, lower hedges in small gardens or lining walkways. Its tolerance to variable light conditions and resistance to psyllid damage make it a reliable choice.

Syzygium Brilliant

The aptly named Syzygium Brilliant produces brilliant crimson new leaves and flushes of white flowers followed by magenta berries. This lilly pilly grows quickly, establishing a tall, thick hedge that provides privacy as well as food for native birds. It thrives in most soils and responds well to regular pruning.

Syzygium Obelisk

When height matters, Syzygium Obelisk delivers. This upright lilly pilly forms a columnar hedge, making it perfect for tall screens or boundary planting. Its narrow footprint makes it suitable for urban gardens, and it maintains dense foliage from ground level up.

Tips for Planting Lilly Pilly Hedges

To achieve a lush and effective hedge, plant lilly pilly varieties for hedging around 1–1.5 metres apart. Water well during the first year, mulch generously, and feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring. Prune twice yearly to encourage bushy growth and maintain the desired shape. Most lilly pilly varieties are drought tolerant once established and respond well to regular care.

Find Your Perfect Hedge

Choosing the right lilly pilly varieties for hedging will transform your garden, providing structure, beauty, and privacy. Browse our range, including Syzygium Resilience, Syzygium australe Variegata, Syzygium Winter Lights, Syzygium Brilliant, and Syzygium Obelisk, to find the ideal fit for your landscape. With the right variety and care, your lilly pilly hedge will be a standout feature for years to come.

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.

lilly pilly varieties for hedging

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Syzygium 'Resilience'

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