Acmena smithii

Common Name: Lilly Pilly

Description:
Acmena smithii is a hardy, fast-growing Australian native tree or shrub, widely used for hedging, screening, and feature planting. It has dense, glossy green foliage with attractive new growth that emerges in shades of pink, bronze, or red. In spring and summer, it produces fluffy white to cream flowers, followed by edible purple berries that attract birds. This versatile plant thrives in Melbourne’s climate, tolerating a range of soil types and conditions, including coastal environments. It grows best in full sun to part shade and is drought-resistant once established. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth, making it an excellent choice for formal hedges or topiary. Its non-invasive root system makes it suitable for planting near buildings and fences.

Form:

• Tree - Small
• Shrub - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 3 - 10m (depending on variety)
• Width: 2 - 5m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring
• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• White
• Cream

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Australian Native
• Edible Fruit
• Bird Attracting
• Bee Attracting
• Suitable for Hedging
• Suitable for Topiary
• Suitable for Espalier
• Frost Tolerant
• Drought Tolerant once established

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to humans and pets

Companion Plants:

• Lomandra species
• Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
• Westringia (Coastal Rosemary)
• Dianella (Flax Lily)
• Grevillea varieties