How to Grow Lilly Pilly Hedges in Australia

Lilly Pilly is one of Australia’s most popular hedge plants, valued for its fast growth, glossy green leaves, and colourful flushes of new foliage. It is hardy, adaptable, and perfect for creating privacy screens or decorative borders. To establish a healthy hedge, start with the right planting technique and spacing.

Ideal Conditions

Climate: Thrives in most Australian regions, from temperate to subtropical zones.
Soil: Prefers fertile, well-draining soil. Improve heavy clay with compost and gypsum.
Sunlight: Full sun produces the best dense growth, though Lilly Pilly will tolerate part shade.

How to Plant

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth.
Space plants 50–100cm apart, depending on how dense you want the hedge.
Backfill with enriched soil and water in well.
Apply mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stem.

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Lilly Pilly Hedge Care & Maintenance

Once planted, Lilly Pilly grows quickly into a dense hedge with the right care. Watering, pruning, and feeding are the keys to success.

Watering

Water 2–3 times per week for the first 3 months after planting.
Reduce to once weekly once established, increasing frequency in hot, dry weather.
Deep watering is better than frequent light watering, as it encourages strong root growth.

Pruning

Prune lightly after planting to encourage branching from the base.
Trim 2–3 times per year to maintain hedge shape and density.
For older, woody hedges, a harder cut in spring can rejuvenate growth.

Fertilising

Lilly Pilly responds strongly to fertiliser. Use CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20 every 6–8 weeks for in-ground hedges, or the liquid form every 2–4 weeks for potted plants. Fertilise after pruning to boost regrowth and foliage colour.

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FAQs on Growing Lilly Pilly Hedges

Q: How far apart should I plant Lilly Pilly for a hedge?
A: Space 50–60cm apart for a dense screen, or 80–100cm for a more open look.

Q: How fast do Lilly Pilly hedges grow?
A: With proper care, Lilly Pilly can grow 30–60cm per year, filling out as a hedge in 1–3 years.

Q: Can Lilly Pilly grow in pots?
A: Yes. Choose a large pot, use premium potting mix, and feed with liquid fertiliser every 2–4 weeks.

Q: Do Lilly Pilly need full sun?
A: Full sun is best, but they will still grow in part shade — though less densely.

Q: What’s the best fertiliser for Lilly Pilly?
A: CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20, applied regularly during the growing season, keeps hedges lush and colourful.

Final Tip

For the quickest results, combine proper planting and pruning with consistent feeding using CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20. This ensures your Lilly Pilly hedge establishes quickly and stays healthy, full, and vibrant.