lilly pilly โ
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How Tall Do Lilly Pillies Grow?
Lilly Pilly (Syzygium species) is an adaptable Australian hedge plant that comes in many different varieties. Depending on the cultivar, Lilly Pilly can grow anywhere from 1 metre to over 10 metres tall. This makes it suitable for both compact hedges and tall privacy screens.
Typical Heights by Variety
- Dwarf Lilly Pilly: 1โ2m, ideal for low borders and small hedges.
- Medium varieties: 3โ5m, common in suburban gardens for privacy screening.
- Tall screening types: 6โ10m, fast-growing for large hedges and boundary planting.
Most commonly planted varieties used for hedging in Australia grow to 3โ5m if left unpruned, but with regular trimming, they can easily be maintained at your desired height.


Controlling the Height of Lilly Pilly Hedges
Lilly Pilly grows quickly, but you can control its ultimate height with pruning and care. Hereโs how:
Pruning
- Trim lightly 3โ4 times per year to maintain a set hedge height.
- Hard prune in early spring if hedges become too tall or woody.
- Pruning encourages thicker growth at the base, preventing tall, leggy plants.
Spacing & Variety Choice
- Choose a dwarf variety if you want a low-maintenance hedge under 2m.
- For privacy screens, select fast-growing medium or tall types that can reach 5โ10m.
- Proper spacing (50โ100cm) ensures plants grow evenly and donโt outcompete each other for light.
Feeding for Controlled Growth
Feeding Lilly Pilly with CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20 keeps growth strong but manageable. Fertilise every 6โ8 weeks in-ground, or every 2โ4 weeks for potted plants, to maintain healthy height without stressing the plant.


FAQs on Lilly Pilly Height
Q: How tall do Lilly Pilly hedges grow without pruning?
A: Many varieties reach 3โ5m naturally, while taller types can exceed 8m if left untrimmed.
Q: Can I keep Lilly Pilly short?
A: Yes. With regular pruning, even tall-growing varieties can be maintained at 1โ2m for compact hedges.
Q: Which is the best Lilly Pilly for a tall privacy screen?
A: Varieties like Syzygium australe can grow 6โ8m tall, making them perfect for boundary hedging.
Q: Which Lilly Pilly is best for small hedges?
A: Dwarf forms such as โMiniโ or โResilienceโ are ideal for low hedges, growing 1โ2m tall.
Q: Does fertiliser make Lilly Pilly grow taller?
A: Fertiliser like CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 promotes healthy, consistent growth but pruning will always determine the final hedge height.
Final Tip
Lilly Pilly hedges are adaptable to almost any height. Choose the right variety for your needs, prune regularly, and feed with CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20 to maintain a healthy hedge at your desired size.
More Hedge Guides from CompleteGrow
- Best Fertiliser for Lilly Pilly Hedges
- How to Grow Lilly Pilly Hedges in Australia
- When to Prune Lilly Pilly Hedges
- How Fast Does Lilly Pilly Grow?
- How to Thicken a Lilly Pilly Hedge
- Why Are My Lilly Pilly Leaves Turning Brown?
- How to Grow Lilly Pilly from Cuttings
- Do Lilly Pilly Have Invasive Roots?
- How to Prune Lilly Pilly
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