Resilience Lilly Pilly
Botanical Name: Syzygium Australe 'Resilience'
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Eastern Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Overview
Syzygium australe ‘Resilience’ is Adelaide’s benchmark hedge when you want glossy density, fast establishment and minimal pest fuss. Bred and named for its high resistance to psyllid pitting, it keeps leaves smooth and showroom-neat. Expect repeated bronze–red new growth flushing through the year, fluffy white spring–summer flowers, and pink-red berries if you don’t clip straight after bloom—great for wildlife and seasonal colour.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 3–5 m H × 1.5–3 m W (easily maintained at 2–3 m with pruning)
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Growth Rate: 40-70 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Glossy mid-green leaves with bronze/red new flushes; naturally dense, upright habit; high psyllid resistance
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Flowers: Small, fluffy white sprays mainly spring–summer; pink-red berries late summer–autumn if unpruned
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Seasonal Interest: Evergreen backbone with repeated colourful flushes; warm-season flowers and occasional berries
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Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees/beneficials; berries may feed birds; dense cover for small birds
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Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; heat, wind & coastal tolerant; light frost tolerant; handles regular clipping and urban conditions
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Planting Density: Hedge: 1 plant per metre (0.7 m for ultra-tight screens); Specimen: 1.5–2 m apart
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Pet Friendly: Yes — generally non-toxic; ripe berries are edible (moderation advised)
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (more sun = tighter growth & stronger colour)
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Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay loam; avoid chronic waterlogging; thrives in raised beds and large pots
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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
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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
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Lifespan: 20–30+ years
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Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal suburbs
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Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred; tolerates mildly alkaline with good drainage
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Narrow, premium privacy hedges that stay neat without constant hard shearing
- Mass plant along fences/driveways for a cohesive, modern green backbone
- Feature around outdoor living areas; strong performer in large pots for courtyards
Why You Will Love It
A glossy, fast, pest-savvy hedge built for Adelaide conditions. ‘Resilience’ delivers reliable privacy, vivid red new growth and low maintenance—just quick tip-prunes and occasional deep watering for a fence-to-façade finish year-round.
