If you have walked along the streets of different cities in Australia and been wowed by terraced green hedges for privacy or lovely brightly coloured trees with their full weight of berries, then you can be rest assured that you have met Lilly Pilly. This sweet native species is not just a treat for the eyes but also a low-maintenance, hard-working shrub in any garden. Irrespective of whether you want it as a natural privacy screen or a specimen tree or want the idea of popping up some colour in your backyard, below is everything you need to know about planting and caring for the Lilly Pilly trees.
Why Lillly Pillies?
Lilly Pilly trees are the Swiss Army knife of the plant world. They’re perfect as hedges, screen plants, or stand-alone trees, and their bright pink or red berries attract birds, giving life to the garden. With over 60 species, you can find one that suits your climate, soil type, and aesthetic preference. They are also adamant that they are just right for the Aussie weather conditions.
Planting the Lilly Pilly
- Choose a Sunny Location: Lilly Pilly has a penchant for full sun to partial shade, which will give you the most promising growth results.
- Prepare the Soil: Boost the soil with compost or organic matter to create a strong foundation for your new addition. Good drainage prevents root rot.
- Space Out: Maintain 50-100 cm spacing for a hedge. Allow more space for a specimen tree.
- Time to Plant: Spring is an optimal time to plant Lilly Pilly as it allows the garden sufficient time to settle in before trouble sets in.
Caring for Your Lilly Pilly
- Watering: The trees grow best with sufficient watering, especially for the first year, although they are drought-tolerant once established. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilising: Use a slow-release fertiliser to feed your Lilly Pilly for rich foliage and colourful berries in the spring and summer.
- Pruning: Regular light pruning will help maintain a compact shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or diseased branches when necessary.
- Pests and Diseases: Watch out for psyllids, which are common pests of Lilly Pilly. Use an organic insecticide or introduce natural predators.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Yellowing Leaves: This may indicate that the tree is under severe water stress, either too much or too little. Test for moisture in the soil and adjust watering if needed.
- Sparse Growth: If your Lilly Pilly appears spindly, it may not get enough sunlight or have been pruned regularly.
- Berry Drop: It’s natural for some berries to drop from your Lilly Pilly. However, too much of a drop may signal a nutrient problem. Supplemental fertilisation fixes this.
Magnolia Trees
Magnolia trees are little gems which are ready to thrive in various conditions-magnolia trees are suitable for any garden. Whether you desire evergreen or deciduous varieties, choose the perfect magnolia tree to suit your needs. Little gem magnolia and teddy bear magnolia are particularly popular, with their show-stopping flowers opening early in spring, adding vibrant beauty to your landscape.
Final Thoughts
Growing a Lilly Pilly is like infusing nature into the backyard. With beauty and resilience, these trees will provide shade, seclusion and wildlife attraction. With some extra care and patience, your Lilly Pilly will go on giving the outburst of green all year round. Time to get your hands dirty! Grab a spade and let this Aussie favourite do its magic!
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