Varieties by Use Case
For Formal Hedges
| Variety | Height | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syzygium australe "Aussie Compact" | 1–2m | Dense growth, psyllid resistant | Low to medium hedges |
| Syzygium australe "Bush Christmas" | Under 1m | Dwarf form, compact | Border or low hedge |
| Waterhousea floribunda | 4–8m | Weeping habit, fast-growing | Tall screens |
For Coastal Gardens
| Variety | Height | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syzygium australe forms | 3–5m | Salt tolerant, hardy | Coastal hedges and screens |
| Acmena smithii (Lilly Pilly) | 3–6m | Hardy, adaptable | Tough coastal conditions |
For Small Spaces
| Variety | Height | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syzygium "Tiny Trev" | 0.5–1m | Very dwarf, slow-growing | Edging and pots |
| Syzygium australe "Mini Pilly" | 0.5–1m | Compact, low maintenance | Small gardens |
For Tall Screens
| Variety | Height | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syzygium leuhmannii (Riberry) | 5–10m | Excellent edible fruit, elegant | Tall screens and specimen |
| Waterhousea floribunda | 4–8m | Weeping form, very fast | Quick privacy screens |
Key Selection Factors
Psyllid Resistance
Some varieties are bred or selected for resistance to psyllid, the insect that causes leaf pimples. This reduces maintenance and improves appearance.
best:Syzygium "Aussie Compact"
moderate:Syzygium australe forms
susceptible:Some older Syzygium cultivars
Frost Tolerance
Young plants are more susceptible. Established plants generally tolerate light frost, but protection is beneficial in colder areas.
best:Acmena smithii
moderate:Syzygium australe
susceptible:Tropical Syzygium species
Growth Rate
Faster growth means quicker screening but more frequent pruning. Consider how much maintenance you're willing to do.
fast:Waterhousea floribunda
moderate:Syzygium australe
slow:Dwarf cultivars
Quick Reference by Use
Different varieties suit different purposes. Use this table to match your goal to a plant type.
| Use Case | Typical Height | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Formal hedge | 1–3m (pruned) | Regular pruning needed |
| Privacy screen | 3–8m | Moderate; shape control optional |
| Coastal screening | 2–5m | Moderate; salt-tolerant varieties |
| Small courtyard | Under 1m (dwarf) | Lower maintenance |
| Ornamental specimen | 4–10m | Lower; pruning optional |
Not sure which variety to choose?
Our decision guide walks you through the key factors: space, climate, soil, and maintenance preferences.
Try the Lilly Pilly Selector →