Lilly Pilly Negatives & Problems
Before planting lilly pilly, understand the potential drawbacks: susceptibility to psyllid and myrtle rust, regular pruning needs for hedges, fruit staining issues, and drainage requirements. These issues are manageable with the right approach.
Quick take
- • Psyllid causes leaf pimples; requires monitoring
- • Myrtle rust is a fungal risk in warm, humid conditions
- • AU scene: In coastal gardens, protect lilly pilly from strong wind and salt spray with a sheltered position and regular mulch
- • Hedges need pruning 2–3 times per year
- • Fruit drop can stain paths; placement matters
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
- •Hedges and screens
- •Ornamental features
- •Native gardens
- •Coastal gardens (with protection)
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
Psyllid prone
Susceptible
Tip: Monitor new growth in spring
Disease risk
Myrtle rust
Tip: Avoid overhead watering
Pruning
2–3 times/year
Tip: More for formal hedges
Fruit drop
Can stain
Tip: Place away from paving
Quick Answer: Manageable Issues
Lilly pilly has well-known downsides: psyllid insects cause unsightly leaf pimples, myrtle rust can affect new growth, and hedges demand regular pruning. Fruit drop may stain paving, and poor drainage leads to root problems.
What to do: Choose psyllid-resistant varieties where available, improve drainage before planting, place away from high-traffic paving, and commit to a regular maintenance schedule.
Common Issues Overview
The most frequently reported problems with lilly pilly relate to pests, diseases, and maintenance demands. Understanding these before planting helps avoid disappointment.
- Psyllid: Small sap-sucking insects causing bubbly leaf pimples, most active in spring–summer.
- Myrtle rust: Fungal disease showing yellow-orange pustules, affecting new growth in humid conditions.
- Root rot: Poorly drained soils cause "wet feet" and can kill plants.
- Maintenance: Fast growth means frequent pruning for formal hedges.
- Staining: Fallen fruit can discolour paving and concrete.
What to do: Assess your site conditions (drainage, wind exposure, paving proximity) before choosing lilly pilly. Consider alternatives for high-maintenance situations.
Psyllid Problems
Also called "pimple psyllid," these insects are the most common lilly pilly complaint. They cause distinctive bubbly bumps on new growth, distorting leaves and stunting development.
Psyllid activity peaks in spring and summer when new growth is abundant. Heavy infestations stress plants and reduce aesthetic appeal.
What to do: Monitor new growth regularly. Promptly remove and dispose of affected foliage. Encourage beneficial insects. Avoid over-fertilising, which promotes soft psyllid-prone growth.
Myrtle Rust
Myrtle rust is a fungal disease affecting Myrtaceae family plants, including lilly pilly. It shows as yellow-orange pustules on new growth, leaves, and young stems.
The disease spreads in warm, humid conditions and can cause defoliation and dieback in severe cases. Young plants are most vulnerable.
What to do: Avoid overhead watering. Improve airflow around plants. Remove and dispose of affected material (don't compost). Check local reporting requirements — myrtle rust is notifiable in some areas.
Maintenance Demands
Fast growth is both an advantage and a drawback. While lilly pilly provides quick screening, it requires regular pruning to maintain shape and density.
- Formal hedges: Prune 2–3 times per year for neat appearance.
- Informal screens: Annual pruning may suffice for shape control.
- Establishment: Regular watering for first 8–12 weeks is critical.
- Fertilising: Spring and autumn applications support growth and resilience.
What to do: Be realistic about maintenance time. If low upkeep is essential, consider slower-growing alternatives or informal pruning styles.
Care Specifications
Quick reference for the essential care requirements of lilly pilly.
Light
Full sun to part shade
More sun = denser growth but more water stress
Soil
Well-drained preferred
Clay soils need amendment; avoid wet feet
Water
Regular in establishment
Drought sensitive when young; moderate tolerance once established
Growth
30–100cm/year
Faster growth = more pruning
Size
Variable
Check variety tag; dwarf forms available
Pruning
2–3 times/year (hedges)
Light and frequent is best
Hedge use
Excellent
One of Australia's most popular hedging plants
Compare: Healthy vs Issue
Visual comparison helps identify problems early.
Leaf Health
Healthy
Smooth, glossy leaves with even green colour. New growth is bronze/red turning green.
Issue
Bubbly bumps (psyllid) on new leaves, or yellow-orange pustules (myrtle rust). Distorted, curled foliage.
Root Health (if visible)
Healthy
White roots, firm to touch. Soil is moist but draining freely.
Issue
Brown, mushy roots with rot smell. Soil is waterlogged or stagnant.
Images are representative. Always consult a local expert for confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common lilly pilly questions
The main issues are susceptibility to psyllid (leaf pimples), myrtle rust fungal disease, root rot in poorly drained soils, fruit drop staining paths, and the need for regular pruning to maintain hedges.