
Tips on How to Grow Lilly Pilly Trees
Lilly Pillies, also known as Australian cherries, are one of the most popular evergreen trees in Australia. Their purple or red fruits make them an eye-catcher and a perfect choice for anyone who is looking to spice up the look of their garden. Their thick foliage and glossy sheen make these fast-growing trees ideal to be used as windbreakers, hedges as well as for attracting birds. Not only do they grow fast, but they also grow big. However, with regular pruning, you can achieve the size that is most suitable for your garden. The Lilly Pilly trees Australian nurseries offer come in a vast array of choices including Waterhousia, Syzygium and Acmena. Regardless of which one you choose, you can be sure your garden will get a whole new look, but first, let’s learn the basics of growing Lilly Pilly trees.
How to grow
Lilly Pilly will grow well in many different soils. It grows in shade or full sun and once established well it can tolerate drought. However, for best growing results make sure you plant the tree to enjoy more sun and soil rich with nutrients and water. The ideal position for a Lilly Pilly tree would be a sunny area that’s protected from cold winds and hard frosts. An already established tree will withstand all these conditions, but a young one will need some shelter. Depending on the quality of the soil, you may need to improve it using organic compost and promote healthy growth.
Fertilizing
Once you dive into the range of Lilly Pilly trees Australia nursery shops offer and find the one you love, you’ll get a young tree you’ll need to plant. Once you plant it in the right spot, you will need to do everything that’s in your power to maximize its growth, including applying certified organic fertilizer, compost or manure in the springtime, summer, and autumn. Once your trees are well established, fertilize them only in spring and autumn. This is all your Lilly Pilly trees need to be beautiful and healthy year round.
Pruning
This depends on the type of Lilly Pilly you choose. For example, bigger types form a nice shape on their own so they do not need any pruning unless you want to restrict their size or height. On the other hand, smaller varieties need pruning as it encourages bushy growth. If you are growing Lilly Pilly as a hedge, make sure you do not let plants grow too high in hope that they will fill out later. Instead, prune them regularly not just on top but on the sides as well for dense growth. Pruning of Lilly Pilly trees is not restricted with time. You can do it any time of the year – just make sure the plants are well watered before you do that.
Pest and diseases
Some varieties of the Lilly Pilly are often attacked by psyllids. These are pests that attack new leaves of the plant causing distortions that have the form of bubbles. These bubbles keep the pests protected thus making the whole process of treating the tree a bit difficult. Mites and aphids suck sap from the plant which can further lead to sooty mold. Ants are another unwelcomed guest and they are considered a sign that your tree is affected by sap sucker pests. In this case, look for a solution to control these pests and the ants will go away.
