Syzygium wilsonii Powder Puff Lilly Pilly

Syzygium wilsonii Powder Puff is a striking Australian native shrub or small tree valued for its colourful foliage and dramatic flowers. The new growth emerges in vivid shades of pink to red-bronze, creating a beautiful contrast against the mature green foliage. In summer the plant becomes especially eye-catching when large crimson to pink-red pompom flowers appear in fluffy clusters along the branches. These are followed in autumn by pure white berries that are considered bush-tucker fruit when cooked. It can be grown as a feature shrub, informal hedge, screen, or even in a large container. In its natural rainforest understorey habitat it can be somewhat open in habit, but in brighter garden positions with regular watering and pruning it becomes much denser and bushier, producing more abundant flowers. Regular pruning will encourage a fuller shape and maintain the desired height, and the plant can be hard-pruned if needed to keep it around 2 m. 

Soil: Well-drained soil. It is sensitive to drought, so a thick layer of mulch is essential to keep its roots cool and moist.

Conditions: Dappled shade to part shade/full shade. For best results plant in a sheltered position protected from strong winds and harsh, all-day hot sun. 

Size: Height 5m x width 4m