Native Tree Care FAQ - Syzygium 'Select' Lilly Pilly

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Frequently Asked Questions: Syzygium ‘Select’ Lilly Pilly Care

Q: How often should I water my Select Lilly Pilly?

Water deeply daily during establishment (first 6–8 weeks), especially through warm weather. Once established, water every few days during dry spells to maintain steady moisture and encourage dense foliage. Ensure soil drains freely to prevent root rot.

Q: What’s the best soil for Select?

Select thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter and adapts to a range of soils, preferring a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Our growers raise these trees in a premium potting mix with slow-release fertilisers and quality organics, which supports strong roots and balanced nutrition. When planting, avoid heavy garden soil — instead, replicate the grower’s mix by surrounding the root ball with premium native potting mix to maintain aeration and consistent nutrients as the plant establishes.

Q: When and how should I prune my Select?

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. For dense, formal hedges, tip-prune after each growth flush — around 3–4 times per year in Brisbane and SEQ. Frequent light trims encourage side-branching and keep Select compact and well-shaped. Always use clean, sharp tools and prune just above a leaf node.

  • Late winter – main shaping prune
  • Early spring – tip for branching
  • Early summer – maintain compact form
  • Late summer/early autumn – final tidy before cooler weather

Q: How fast does Select grow?

Select is a fast to moderate grower, typically putting on 60–80 cm per year under good SEQ conditions. It forms tidy, dense screens at 1.8–3m tall for a refined formal screens.

General Native Tree Care

Best time to plant: Autumn (March–May) is ideal, allowing roots to establish before summer heat. Planting in autumn or winter in Brisbane and SEQ’s warmer areas reduces watering while plants root out. Spring planting also works but needs attentive watering through the first spring and summer, as local spring can mimic summer heat.

Fertiliser: Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in spring. Over-fertilising can cause soft growth and reduce flowering.

Pests: Select offers high psyllid resistance — similar to Resilience and Straight & Narrow — though occasional minor dimpling can appear in high humidity or poor airflow. Light pruning and healthy soil conditions help maintain clean, glossy foliage. Other occasional pests include scale and leaf miner; treat early with horticultural oil if required.

Planting Tips

Hedge spacing: Plant at ~1.0m centres for a dense hedge, up to 1.2 m for a looser hedge. 

Containers: Performs well in large pots with persistent irrigation, premium native potting mix and excellent drainage; prune regularly to maintain shape.

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