Acmena Smithii 'Sublime'

Lilly Pilly Sublime

Botanical Name: Acmena smithii ‘Sublime’ — syn. Syzygium smithii ‘Sublime’
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Eastern Australia (cultivar selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen large shrub (hedge/screen)

Overview

‘Sublime’ is a fast, dense lilly pilly with refreshing lime-green new growth that matures to glossy green, holding foliage to the ground for excellent cover. Psyllid-resistant and highly myrtle-rust tolerant, it’s purpose-bred for hedging and screening; summer brings white fluffy flowers and only minimal berries.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 4-5 m H x 2-3 m W (can be kept lower by clipping)
• Growth Rate: 40-80 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Dense, glossy; lime-green flushes on new growth
• Flowers: White, fluffy flowers in summer (lightly fragrant); rare/minimal berries (deep to light mauve; edible; non-staining)
• Seasonal Interest: Repeating lime flushes; summer bloom; low-mess fruiting
• Wildlife Value: Flowers for pollinators; occasional berries for birds
• Tolerance: Drought and cold tolerant once established; seaside (second-line)
• Planting Density: Privacy hedge (clipped): 1 plant per metre (≈80 cm centres for fastest knit); Informal screen: 1.5–2 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Free-draining loam/sandy loam/clay loam; mulch well
• Water Needs: Establishment: water regularly 8–13 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); rarely in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Clip after flushes to thicken; easy to shape; suitable near pools (fibrous roots, small footprint).
• Lifespan: 15–25+ years in well-drained sites
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA; second-line coastal OK
• Soil pH: Neutral (adaptable: slightly acidic–slightly alkaline)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Privacy hedge/screen for boundaries and side fences
• Formal clipped hedge or topiary columns
• Mass plant for a neat evergreen backdrop
• Poolside screening (low fruit; non-staining)

Why You Will Love It

A purpose-bred privacy hedge with vivid lime flushes, very low fruit, and strong pest/disease resistance—fast coverage and low maintenance made for SA gardens.