Syzygium australe ‘Select’ (Select Lilly Pilly)

Syzygium australe ‘Select’ is a versatile and highly popular Australian native shrub valued for its dense foliage and excellent hedging performance. Its glossy green leaves create a lush, full appearance, while new growth emerges in attractive bronze to reddish tones, adding seasonal colour and interest. Naturally compact and highly responsive to pruning, this variety is ideal for creating neat hedges, screens, or topiary, making it a practical and stylish choice for both formal and informal garden designs.

Renowned for its hardiness and adaptability, ‘Select’ thrives in a wide range of conditions, including coastal and urban environments. It performs well in full sun to part shade and tolerates regular trimming, allowing it to be easily maintained at the desired height and shape. With its fast growth, year-round greenery, and reliable performance, this Syzygium is an excellent option for privacy planting, boundary definition, or adding structure and greenery to any outdoor space.

Mature Height: 3–6 m (can be kept lower with pruning)
Mature Width: 1.5–3 m
Spacing Needed: 1–1.5 m apart (closer spacing for dense hedging)
Colours: Glossy green foliage with bronze to reddish new growth; small white flowers followed by pink to red berries
Flowering Period: Spring to early summer
Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen
Sunlight Tolerance: Full sun to part shade
Maintenance: Low to moderate maintenance; fast growing, responds well to regular pruning for hedging and shaping, adaptable to a wide range of soil types, water regularly during establishment
Root System: Moderately vigorous, fibrous root system; generally non-invasive and suitable for hedging, screening, and urban planting when given adequate space