Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
Lilly pilly (Syzygium smithii) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Eastern Australia (rainforest margins, Queensland to Victoria). It grows 2.5–6 m (8.2–20 ft) tall and 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Lilly pilly in your garden →
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Lilly pilly at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 2.5–6 m (8.2–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit (tart, raw or in jams) |
| Native to | Eastern Australia (rainforest margins, Queensland to Victoria) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Lilly pilly toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Fruit is edible; no toxicity reported for the foliage.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lilly pilly
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
Questions about Lilly pilly
- How far apart should I plant Lilly pilly?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft).
- Does Lilly pilly need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lilly pilly need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Lilly pilly?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Lilly pilly flower?
- From about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Lilly pilly poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Fruit is edible; no toxicity reported for the foliage.
- What grows well with Lilly pilly?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lilly pilly. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Popular as a clipped hedge; new growth is bronze to pink. Susceptible to myrtle rust.
- Flowering dates are shifted to the northern-hemisphere calendar used by the model (Australian flowering is November to February).
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium
- Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) Metrosideros excelsa