When to Prune Lilly Pilly Hedges in Australia

Lilly Pilly is one of the fastest-growing hedge plants in Australia, producing lush green leaves and colourful new flushes of red or bronze foliage. Regular pruning is essential to keep hedges dense, neat, and healthy. Knowing when to prune makes all the difference between a sparse hedge and a thick privacy screen.

Seasonal Pruning Times

Spring: The most important pruning season. Trim after the first flush of new growth to encourage branching and hedge thickening.
Summer: Light pruning every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape and stimulate colourful new leaf flushes.
Autumn: Give a tidy trim before cooler months to strengthen plants for winter.
Winter: Minimal pruning needed, as growth slows. Only remove dead or damaged branches.

👉 The key is light, frequent trimming rather than one heavy cut. This encourages a full hedge from top to base.

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How to Prune Lilly Pilly Hedges

Correct technique ensures Lilly Pilly hedges stay lush and balanced. Here’s how to prune effectively:

Pruning Technique

Use sharp hedge shears or trimmers for clean cuts.
Trim the hedge sides slightly narrower at the top than the base so sunlight reaches all foliage.
Prune lightly but often — aim for 3–4 trims per year.

After-Pruning Care

Water hedges deeply after pruning to reduce stress.
Fertilise immediately after trimming with CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 to encourage rapid regrowth.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Hard Pruning

If your hedge has become woody or sparse, perform a harder prune in early spring. Cut back by up to one-third of the plant’s height. Follow up with fertiliser and watering to promote fresh shoots and rejuvenation.

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FAQs on Pruning Lilly Pilly

Q: How often should I prune Lilly Pilly hedges?
A: Lightly trim every 6–8 weeks during the growing season. This encourages density and colourful new foliage.

Q: Can I prune Lilly Pilly in winter?
A: Only lightly. Heavy pruning in winter can stress plants, as growth slows in cooler months.

Q: How hard can I cut back a Lilly Pilly hedge?
A: You can cut back by up to one-third in early spring. With proper feeding, Lilly Pilly recovers quickly.

Q: Will pruning affect flowering and berries?
A: Yes. Pruning reduces flowers and fruit temporarily, but promotes thicker, healthier foliage growth.

Q: What should I do after pruning?
A: Water well, apply mulch, and feed with CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 to boost regrowth.

Final Tip

Prune Lilly Pilly hedges regularly and feed after trimming. Combined with consistent watering and CompleteGrow fertiliser, your hedge will stay dense, glossy, and vibrant all year round.