Syzygium Australe 'Hinterland Gold'

Hinterland Gold Lilly Pilly / Brush Cherry / Scrub Cherry

Botanical Name: Syzygium Australe 'Hinterland Gold'
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Eastern Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

‘Hinterland Gold’ is an exceptionally tidy, upright lilly pilly that thrives in Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate. New growth flushes gold-lime to bronze-gold (the signature look) before maturing to glossy deep green, so your hedge shows colour even when not in flower. Dense branching makes quick privacy; fluffy white spring–summer blooms bring pollinators, and pink-red berries may follow if you don’t trim straight after flowering.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2–3.5 m H × 1–2 m W (easily kept to 2–3 m with pruning)
• Growth Rate: 40-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Golden new growth ageing to rich green; naturally narrow, compact habit; good psyllid resistance
• Flowers: Small, fluffy white flowers mainly spring–summer; pink-red berries late summer–autumn if unpruned
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen backbone with repeating golden flushes, plus spring flowers and occasional berries
• Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees/beneficials; berries may feed birds; dense cover for small birds
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; heat, wind & coastal tolerant; light frost tolerant; handles regular clipping and urban conditions
• Planting Density: Hedge: 1 plant per metre (0.7 m for very tight screens) • Specimen: 1.5–2 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally non-toxic; ripe berries are edible (moderation advised)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (more sun = tighter growth & stronger gold flushes)
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay loam; avoid chronic waterlogging; performs well in raised beds and large pots
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (more in heatwaves); monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; tip-prune after each flush (or 3–6×/yr) to keep hedges dense and encourage colour; clip after flowering if you want to limit fruit; feed in early spring with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser
• Lifespan: 20–30+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal suburbs
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline with good drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Narrow privacy hedges that look premium without constant hard clipping
• Mass plant for a cohesive, colour-rich backdrop in modern or native schemes
• Feature near entries and outdoor living areas; strong in large pots for courtyards

Why You Will Love It

Fast, glossy screening with showy golden new growth that pops against fences and façades. ‘Hinterland Gold’ is water-wise once established, bee-friendly in bloom, and stays neat with simple tip-pruning—an easy, high-impact hedge for Adelaide gardens.