Lilly Pilly Pruning Calendar
Month-by-month pruning guide for lilly pilly in Australia — seasonal tasks, timing, and techniques for healthy hedges and screens.
Quick take
- • Main prune: Spring after flowering (Sept–Nov)
- • Light trims: Summer and early autumn
- • AU scene: If you get occasional frost, avoid heavy pruning right before cold snaps and let new growth harden
- • Avoid heavy cuts in late autumn
- • Minimal pruning in winter
Quick Answer: Spring Main, Summer Light
The best time for major lilly pilly pruning is spring after flowering (September–November in southern Australia). Summer supports light trims for shape maintenance. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn when frost risk approaches. Winter is for minimal structural cuts only.
What to do: Plan your main pruning for spring after flowering finishes. Schedule light maintenance trims for summer. Stop heavy cuts by early autumn in frost areas.
Monthly Pruning Calendar (Southern Australia)
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| September | Main prune after flowering. Shape new growth. |
| October | Continue main prune. Tip-prune for density. |
| November | Complete main prune. Watch for psyllid. |
| December | Light trim if needed. Monitor pests. |
| January | Light trim for shape. Heatwave priority: watering. |
| February | Light trim. Prepare for autumn slowdown. |
| March | Gentle tidy only. Avoid heavy cuts. |
| April | Minimal pruning. Prepare for frost. |
| May | Minimal pruning only. |
| June | No pruning (frost risk). Assess hedge shape. |
| July | No pruning (frost risk). Planning phase. |
| August | No pruning. Prepare for spring flush. |
Care Specifications
Quick reference for the essential care requirements of lilly pilly.
Main prune
Sept–Nov (Spring)
After flowering
Light trims
Dec–Feb (Summer)
Shape maintenance
Autumn
Gentle tidy
Avoid heavy cuts
Winter
Minimal
Frost protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common lilly pilly questions
The main prune is in spring after flowering, usually September to November in southern Australia. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn in frost-prone areas.