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syzygium smithii hedge

Syzygium smithii is a much-loved hedging plant in New Zealand gardens, thanks to its dense, evergreen foliage and easygoing nature. Sometimes known as the Lilly Pilly or Australian Brush Cherry, a Syzygium smithii hedge offers fast growth, privacy, and year-round beauty for both home gardeners and landscape designers. With its lush green leaves, flushes of bronze-tipped new growth, and small white flowers followed by pretty pink berries, this hedge brings life and interest to the garden no matter the season.

Syzygium smithii

Syzygium smithii, commonly known as Lilly Pilly, is a small, evergreen tree. It features glossy, new foliage that is a distinct shade of red and ages to become dark green. This is a fast-growing tree that will reach about 6-10 m tall and 4 m wide though it is easily contained with trimming.

Syzygium smithii tree with red berries and green foliage.
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Trees
  • Height:
    8.00 m
  • Spread:
    4.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Garden uses:
    Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
  • Garden styles:
    Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Syzygium Resilience hedge.
Most Popular Syzygium 'Resilience'

Syzygium 'Resilience', commonly known as Lilly Pilly 'Resilience', is a popular evergreen shrub valued for its glossy foliage, dense growth habit...

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Syzygium 'Big Red' hedge growing in front of a house.
Most Popular Syzygium 'Big Red'

Syzygium 'Big Red' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its glossy green foliage and vibrant bright red new growth. This popular lilly pilly...

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Most Popular Syzygium 'Bronze Hedgemaster'

Syzygium 'Hedgemaster' is a fast growing evergreen shrub prized for its dense foliage, tidy growth habit, and excellent hedging performance. This...

Syzygium australe 'Brilliant' foliage.
Most Popular Syzygium 'Brilliant'

Syzygium australe 'Brilliant' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its glossy foliage and vibrant bronze red new growth. This attractive lilly...

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Most Popular Syzygium 'Tom Thumb'

Syzygium 'Tom Thumb' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense glossy foliage and naturally rounded growth habit. This dwarf lilly pilly...

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Most Popular Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit...

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A Meryta sinclairii (Puka) specimen tree.
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Meryta sinclairii, commonly known as the Puka Tree or Puka Plant, is a NZ native shrub with a lush and tropical appearance. It bears large and...

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Most Popular Prunus Falling Snow

Prunus 'Falling Snow' is an elegant flowering cherry that produces masses of brilliant white blossoms in spring, creating a spectacular display in...

From$387.55
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Most Popular Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is an impressive evergreen shrub or small tree grown for its lush, glossy green foliage and attractive architectural form...

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Most Popular Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

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Syzygium smithii

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You might be interested in exploring Syzygium or Evergreen Trees. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like eugenia smithii lilly pilly, and eugenia smithii.

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Why Choose a Syzygium smithii Hedge?

A Syzygium smithii hedge stands out for its versatility and hardiness. It is naturally compact and bushy, making it perfect for screening, shaping, or edging, and it responds beautifully to regular trimming. This plant tolerates a range of soil conditions, thrives in full sun or part shade, and is relatively pest and disease resistant — a winning combination for low-maintenance hedging. Homeowners value Syzygium smithii not only as an effective privacy screen and windbreak but also for its ability to muffle noise, making it ideal for urban and suburban settings.

Planting and Caring for Syzygium smithii Hedge

To establish a healthy Syzygium smithii hedge, choose a spot with well-drained soil and enrich with organic matter before planting. Space your plants approximately 80 cm apart for a dense screen. Water regularly during dry spells, especially while the hedge gets established. Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage lush new growth. Light, frequent pruning is recommended to maintain a tidy shape and encourage thick, bushy foliage. With proper care, a Syzygium smithii hedge can reach heights of over 4 metres, or can be kept clipped lower for a formal look.

Landscaping with Syzygium smithii and Related Varieties

Syzygium smithii pairs well with many other plants for layered or mixed hedges. If you’re exploring different forms or colours, consider our range of closely related varieties. Syzygium Resilience is prized for its especially vigorous growth and resistance to psyllids. Syzygium Big Red turns heads with its large, deep red new leaves, while Syzygium Bronze Hedgemaster (Syzygium Hedgemaster) offers striking bronze tones. For a more compact option, Syzygium Tom Thumb is perfect for low borders or clipped decorative shapes, and Syzygium Brilliant boasts brilliant red new growth.

Other Excellent Hedge and Feature Plant Options

If you're considering alternatives or companions for your Syzygium smithii hedge, we have a range of outstanding options. Podocarpus macrophyllus (Japanese Yew) is a superb choice for a formal, upright screen. For seasonal colour and interest, look to deciduous trees such as Acer palmatum 'Atrolineare', Acer palmatum 'Roseo Marginatum', Prunus padus, or Cornus nuttallii.

Start Your Syzygium smithii Hedge

A Syzygium smithii hedge is a timeless feature that blends functionality, beauty, and resilience. Whether you’re seeking year-round privacy, a sound barrier, or a lush green backdrop, this classic New Zealand hedge plant is up to the task. Browse our nursery for premium Syzygium smithii and complementary varieties, and enjoy expert advice to help your hedge thrive.


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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.

Corokia 'Mangatangi' and Avocado 'Reed' are tried and true, but new favourites like Acer palmatum 'Shirazz', Pittosporum 'Silver Pillar', and Ajuga reptans variegata are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

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