Waterhousea floribunda

Weeping Lilly Pilly / Weeping Myrtle / Satin Ash / Large-leaved Water Gum

Botanical Name: Waterhousea floribunda
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Eastern Australia (NSW–QLD)
Plant Type: Evergreen tree

Overview

Waterhousea floribunda is Adelaide’s go-to for lush, elegant screening with a soft weeping habit. Large glossy leaves flush bronze to copper on new growth, then settle to rich green, while sprays of small white flowers in late spring–summer bring gentle perfume and are followed by pinkish-white berries that birds enjoy. Tough, classy and easy to shape, it thrives from inner suburbs to coastal sites once established.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 6–12 m H × 3–6 m W (can be kept 3–6 m with pruning)
• Growth Rate: 40-80 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Large, glossy leaves; naturally pendulous, dense canopy
• Flowers: Small white, lightly fragrant clusters mainly late spring–summer; pinkish-white berries late summer–autumn if not clipped
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen backbone, colourful new growth, summer bloom and occasional berries
• Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees/beneficials; berries and dense cover for small birds
• Tolerance: Heat, wind & coastal tolerant; drought tolerant once established; light–moderate frost; copes with heavier soils if well-drained; generally good psyllid resistance compared with many Syzygium
• Planting Density: Hedge/screen: 1 plant per metre (0.7 m for ultra-tight screens) up to ~3–4 m high; tall screen/avenue: 1.2–1.8 m apart; specimen: 3–5 m clear space
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally non-toxic; ripe berries of lilly pilly types are edible (moderation advised; discourage leaf/seed chewing)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (more sun = tighter habit and heavier flowering)
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay; tolerates Adelaide limestone soils with added organic matter and mulch
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (more in heatwaves); rarely in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Tip-prune/clipping after flowering or 2–4×/yr to keep dense screens; formative prune first 1–2 years; mulch in spring; feed in early spring (balanced or low-P native fertiliser if underplanted with natives)
• Lifespan: 30-60+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Neutral (tolerates slightly acidic–slightly alkaline); on higher pH, use chelated iron if leaves yellow

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Tall privacy screens that feel lush, soft and premium without harsh shearing
• Feature or pair at entries/driveways; underplant with lomandra, dianella and groundcover rosemary for a modern coastal/native palette
• Avenues along boundaries or driveways where vertical presence and a gentle weeping line add elegance

Why You Will Love It

This is the luxury hedge that stays glossy and green through Adelaide heat, wind and coastal conditions. The graceful weeping habit, bronze new growth and soft summer perfume create an instant high-end look with easy maintenance. Plant it once, clip lightly, and enjoy dependable privacy and year-round street appeal.