Acmena smithii – Lilly Pilly

Acmena smithii - lilly pilly
Acmena smithii - lilly pilly

Acmena smithii is a compact, fast growing shrub to small tree with pink new foliage growth, cream to white flowers and white to dark red or purple berries in summer. It has a naturally dense growth habit which responds beautifully to pruning, making it a great hedge and topiary plant. It grows around 3 to 5 metres, depending on the variety. It is genarally a good easy care plant. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers a moist well drained soil. Does well in sunny to fully shaded positions. Rarely troubled by pests or diseases, and is generally resistant to psyllids, though aphids and sooty mould can become a problem at times.

Note – the fleshy fruit can become a slip and trip hazard when it falls, so will need regular cleaning up

Family : Myrtaceae

Cultivar Name:

Plant Type : Small shrub, Large shrub

Width : 3

Flowering Time : Spring

Soil Type : Sandy, Clay, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Potting mix, Poor soil

Climate Zone : Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean

Growth Habit : Evergreen, Dense foliage

Soil Moisture : Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage

Special Uses : Bonsai, Decorative fruit, Erosion control, Bird nesting plant, Pollution tolerant, Fast growing

Scientific Name: Acmena smithii

Common Name : Lilly Pilly

Height : 5

Flower Color : White

pH Level : Acid, Neutral, Alkaline

Plant Environment : Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Poolside, Container growing, Coastal garden, Drought resistant

Light : Sunny, Light shade, Half shade, Heavy shade

Lifespan : Perennial

Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost

Attracts Wildlife : Bees, Nectar eating birds, Seed eating birds, Butterflies, Other insects