Lilly Pillys

Lilly Pillies (commonly known as Australian cherries) are a popular evergreen tree or hedge that produces an edible red or purple fruit. The fast-growing Lilly pilly tree is characterised by spectacular thick foliage with a glossy sheen, which makes them ideal as hedges, windbreaks. They also serve well for attracting birds or as an eye-catching ornamental plant for your garden. Lilly pillies are classed under a number of different genera. Formerly known as Eugenia, they are presently classed as Acmena, Syzygium or Waterhousea. Even though Lilly pillies grow into large trees in a rainforest setting, they can happily adapt to regular pruning for size. Plus, you can also get its miniature varieties. They produce a marvellous display of highly fragrant white flowers in summer. The berries are perfect for preserves and jams. It should be noted that not all of the hybrids will produce fruit.