Lilly Pilly Hedge Spacing & Pruning Guide
Create a dense, healthy lilly pilly hedge with the right spacing and pruning schedule. Learn planting distances, seasonal timing, and techniques for formal hedges and informal screens in Australian conditions.
Quick take
- • Space plants 0.5–2m apart depending on target height
- • Prune 2–3 times per year for dense hedges
- • AU scene: If you get occasional frost, avoid heavy pruning right before cold snaps and let new growth harden
- • Main prune after spring flowering
- • Fill-in time: 1–3 years
Quick Definition
What it is
Lilly pilly refers to several Australian native plant species from the Syzygium, Waterhousea, and Acmena genera. These evergreen shrubs and trees are widely grown for hedges, screens, and ornamental features.
Spelling note
Some people spell it differently. This site uses "lilly pilly" consistently.
Best uses
- •Formal hedges
- •Privacy screens
- •Windbreaks
- •Topiary
Native region & habitat
Native to Australia, found in rainforests, coastal areas, and moist gullies along the east coast.
Other common names
Brush cherry, Riberry, Weeping lilly pilly
Quick Care Snapshot
Hedge spacing
0.5–2m
Tip: Depends on target height
Pruning frequency
2–3 times/year
Tip: Light and frequent
Fill-in time
1–3 years
Tip: Faster with closer spacing
Best prune time
Spring
Tip: After flowering
Quick Answer: Spacing + Regular Pruning
For a dense lilly pilly hedge, space plants according to your target height: 0.5–0.8m for low hedges (under 1m), 0.8–1.2m for medium hedges (1–2m), 1–1.5m for tall hedges (2–4m), and 1.5–2m for screens (4m+). Prune lightly 2–3 times per year, with the main prune after spring flowering.
What to do: Determine your target height before planting. Use closer spacing for faster fill-in. Begin light pruning after the first growth flush to encourage branching from the base.
Hedge Spacing Guide
Proper spacing ensures your hedge fills in while allowing adequate airflow and light. Closer spacing fills faster but costs more. Wider spacing takes longer but uses fewer plants.
| Target Hedge Height | Spacing Range | Fill-in Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low hedge (under 1m) | 0.5–0.8m apart | 1–1.5 years | Borders, edging |
| Medium hedge (1–2m) | 0.8–1.2m apart | 1.5–2 years | Privacy, screening |
| Tall hedge (2–4m) | 1–1.5m apart | 2–3 years | Tall screening |
| Screen (4m+) | 1.5–2m apart | 2–3+ years | Large blocks, windbreaks |
What to do: Check your variety's expected mature width and adjust spacing accordingly. Plants spaced at 60–70% of mature width fill in reasonably fast without overcrowding.
Pruning Basics
Regular pruning is essential for dense, formal hedges. Light, frequent trims are better than occasional heavy cuts. The goal is to encourage branching from the base while maintaining the desired shape.
Key Pruning Principles
- Start early: Begin light pruning after the first growth flush to establish a bushy shape from the start.
- Trim frequently: 2–3 times per year for formal hedges, once or twice for informal screens.
- Keep wider at base: Ensure sunlight reaches lower foliage by maintaining a slight taper (wider at the base).
- Avoid heavy cuts in autumn: In frost-prone areas, late autumn pruning exposes tender new growth to frost damage.
What to do: Mark your target hedge height with stakes and string. Prune to just above this line. For newly planted hedges, tip-prune the main stems to encourage side branching.
Seasonal Pruning Calendar
Timing your pruning optimises regrowth and minimises stress. This calendar applies to southern Australia — adjust for your local climate.
| Season | Months | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Sept–Nov | Main prune after flowering. Shape new growth. Tip-prune for density. |
| Summer | Dec–Feb | Light trim to maintain shape. Watch for psyllid and treat if needed. |
| Autumn | Mar–May | Gentle tidy only. Avoid heavy cuts. Prepare for frost season. |
| Winter | Jun–Aug | Minimal pruning. Structural cuts if needed. Assess hedge shape. |
What to do: In frost-prone areas, complete major pruning by early autumn so new growth hardens before the first frost. Avoid cutting back to bare wood in winter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting too close: Leads to overcrowding, poor airflow, and increased disease risk. Follow spacing guidelines.
- Waiting to prune: Delaying pruning until the hedge is overgrown makes it harder to establish density. Start early.
- Shearing at the same angle: Repeatedly cutting at the same angle creates a woody, leafless exterior. Vary the cut depth slightly.
- Neglecting the base: Failing to keep the hedge wider at the base causes lower foliage to thin out from lack of light.
- Heavy autumn pruning: In frost areas, this exposes tender new growth to cold damage. Time major pruning for spring.
What to do: Establish a regular pruning schedule from the first year. Mark pruning dates in your calendar to avoid neglect.
What to Expect: Before & After
Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations for improvement.
Before
Newly planted, widely spaced seedlings with visible gaps between plants.
After
Dense, continuous hedge with no visible gaps and lush foliage from base to top.
Timeframe
1–3 years depending on spacing and care
Before
Overgrown, irregular hedge with sparse foliage and uneven height.
After
Neat, formal hedge with uniform shape, dense foliage, and clean lines.
Timeframe
1–2 years with regular pruning
Note: Results vary based on variety, climate, soil, and care. These are general guidelines — your timeline may differ.
Care Specifications
Quick reference for the essential care requirements of lilly pilly.
Spacing
0.5–2m
Based on target hedge height
Pruning
2–3 times/year
Light and frequent is best
Best prune time
Spring
After flowering, before frost risk
Fill-in time
1–3 years
Faster with closer spacing
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common lilly pilly questions
Spacing depends on your target hedge height. Low hedges (under 1m): 0.5–0.8m apart. Medium hedges (1–2m): 0.8–1.2m. Tall hedges (2–4m): 1–1.5m. Screens (4m+): 1.5–2m. Check your variety's mature width.