types of lilly pilly

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Lilly pilly plants are some of the most versatile and popular choices for New Zealand gardens. Known for their glossy foliage, fluffy flowers, and vibrant berries, lilly pillies are evergreen natives originally found throughout Australia and Asia, making them perfectly suited for hedges, screens, and specimen trees in our climate. With so many types of lilly pilly available, it can be tricky to choose the right one for your space. This guide explores the most popular and reliable types of lilly pilly for New Zealand gardens, along with their unique features and best uses.

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.

Buy Eugenia uniflora (Surinam Cherry)

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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

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What Are Lilly Pillies?

Lilly pilly refers to a group of closely related species in the Syzygium and Eugenia genera. These hardy plants can range from compact shrubs to large trees, and are prized for their versatility, pest resistance, and ability to attract birds. It’s their dense growth habit and colourful new foliage that makes them a landscaper’s favourite for hedging.

Popular Types of Lilly Pilly

Here’s a closer look at some of the best-known types of lilly pilly for Kiwi gardeners:

Syzygium australe

Perhaps the most widely grown lilly pilly in New Zealand, Syzygium australe is loved for its dense habit and flushes of bronze-red new growth. It forms a tidy, fast-growing hedge and tolerates regular pruning. The small white flowers in late spring are followed by edible pinkish berries that are popular with native birds.

Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum)

Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum) is a distinctive type with a larger tree habit and dark purple berries. Java plum is ideal if you’re after a shade tree that also bears delicious, plum-like fruit. The glossy evergreen foliage comes with all the toughness you’d expect from a classic lilly pilly.

Eugenia myrtifolia (Syzygium myrtifolia)

The fine-leaved Eugenia myrtifolia (Syzygium myrtifolia) offers brilliant copper-red new growth and a naturally rounded form. Its compact size makes it perfect for low hedges, borders, or container planting. It’s also very resilient to pests and diseases.

Eugenia Amber Glow (Lilly Pilly Amber Glow)

For a splash of colour, Eugenia Amber Glow (Lilly Pilly Amber Glow) is a stunning choice. The new foliage emerges as a bright amber-orange before maturing to glossy green, providing year-round interest. Amber Glow works well as a statement shrub or a colourful privacy screen.

Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove)

Known mostly for its aromatic flower buds, Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove) is another member of the extended lilly pilly family. While not used primarily for hedging, this handsome tree brings a tropical look and the added bonus of culinary spices if grown in the right spot.

Choosing the Right Lilly Pilly for Your Garden

When comparing the types of lilly pilly, consider the size and style of your garden, as well as your maintenance preferences. Some varieties stay compact and tidy, while others grow tall for maximum privacy and lush shade. Most types prefer well-drained soil in a sunny or partly-shaded spot and benefit from regular trimming to keep their shape.

No matter which type of lilly pilly you choose, you’ll enjoy years of vibrant foliage, beautiful berries, and easy care that suits busy New Zealand lifestyles.

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.