TOPIARY / Syzygium australe 'Backyard Bliss' (Cone)
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Topiary 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly (Cone)
Botanical Name: Syzygium australe 'Backyard Bliss' (Cone)
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Eastern Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub (clipped into a cone)
Overview
A naturally dense, fast-establishing lilly pilly trained into a sleek cone for instant polish in Adelaide gardens. Fresh red–bronze flushes mature to glossy green, and fluffy white flowers in spring–summer add soft fragrance and pollinator appeal. Heat-, drought- and coastal-tolerant once established, it stays crisp with light, regular tip-clips.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 1.5–2.5 m H × 0.6–1.0 m W as a maintained cone (easily kept smaller)
- Growth Rate: 40-60 cm per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Glossy mid/deep-green leaves; naturally tight internodes for sharp outlines
- Flowers: Small, fluffy white sprays mainly spring–summer; may set pink–red berries if not clipped after flowering
- Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure with repeated colourful flushes; warm-season bloom 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 hardy; good psyllid resistance
- Planting Density: Feature/topiary row: space 0.8–1.2 m (tight line 0.6–0.8 m) • Large pots: one per 40–50 cm container
- 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 cone & stronger colour)
- Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay; avoid chronic waterlogging
- Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (more in heatwaves/pots); monthly in winter if dry
- Maintenance: Tip-clip 3–6×/yr to maintain the cone; clip after flowering if you wish to limit fruit; feed in early spring with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser; mulch to conserve moisture
- Lifespan: 20-30+ years
- Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline with good drainage
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Paired cones flanking gates, entries and garden rooms
- Rhythmic allées along paths/driveways for a contemporary, formal look
- Premium container features for courtyards and terraces; contrast with silver/blue groundcovers
Why You Will Love It
A glossy, slimline privacy accent that looks high-end with minimal effort. ‘Backyard Bliss’ delivers quick height, elegant colour changes through the seasons, and a soft floral fragrance—perfect for Adelaide’s climate in the ground or in statement pots.