Acmena smithii is a compact, fast growing shrub to small tree with pink new foliage growth, cream to white flowers and white to dark red or purple berries in summer. It has a naturally dense growth habit which responds beautifully to pruning, making it a great hedge and topiary plant. It grows around 3 to 5 metres, depending on the variety. It is genarally a good easy care plant. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers a moist well drained soil. Does well in sunny to fully shaded positions. Rarely troubled by pests or diseases, and is generally resistant to psyllids, though aphids and sooty mould can become a problem at times.
Note – the fleshy fruit can become a slip and trip hazard when it falls, so will need regular cleaning up
Plant Information
Plant Type - Small shrub, Large shrub
Common Name - Lilly Pilly
Scientific Name - Acmena smithii
Family - Myrtaceae
Cultivar Name -
Other Common Name -
Minimum Height - 3
Maximum Height - 5
Minimum Width - 1
Maximum Width - 3
Flower Colour - White
Flowering Time - Spring
pH Level - Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Type - Sandy, Clay, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Potting mix, Poor soil
Plant Environment - Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Poolside, Container growing, Coastal garden, Drought resistant
Climate Zone - Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean
Light - Sunny, Light shade, Half shade, Heavy shade
Growth Habit - Evergreen, Dense foliage
Life Span - Perennial
Soil Moisture - Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage
Propagation Method - Seed, Softwood cutting, Semihardwood cutting, Hardwood cutting
Frost Tolerance - Tolerates light frost
Plant Usage - Hedge, Topiary, Screen, Windbreak, Attractive foliage
Special Uses - Bonsai, Decorative fruit, Erosion control, Bird nesting plant, Pollution tolerant, Fast growing
Attracts Wildlife - Bees, Nectar eating birds, Seed eating birds, Butterflies, Other insects
Angus Cultivar -
