Summary:
The Firescreen Lilly Pilly is a fast-growing, evergreen Australian native shrub or small tree, renowned for its dense foliage and vibrant colour. Its new growth emerges in fiery shades of red and orange before maturing to deep green. In spring and summer, clusters of small white flowers appear, followed by edible purple berries that attract birds.
Quick Overview:
Common Name: Firescreen Lilly Pilly
Botanical Name:Acmena smithii 'Firescreen'
Origin: East coast of Australia
Height & Width: Typically 3–4m tall x 1.5–2m wide; up to 6m if unpruned
Foliage: Copper-red new growth maturing to glossy green
Flowers: Small, white, fluffy blossoms in spring and summer
Fruit: Edible purple berries in winter; low-fruiting variety
Wildlife Attraction: Attracts birds, bees, butterflies, and insects
Position: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, clay, loamy, and poor soils
Tolerance: Drought, heatwave, and light frost (down to -2°C)
Maintenance: Low-maintenance; responds well to pruning
Psyllid Resistance: Highly resistant
Detailed Description:
Acmena smithii 'Firescreen' is a compact, upright-growing shrub that produces dense, glossy foliage to the ground. New leaves emerge bright copper-red, offering striking contrast before maturing to deep green. It naturally forms a screen up to 4 meters tall and 1.5–2 meters wide, making it ideal for privacy, hedging, or as a low-fuss feature tree.
In spring and summer, small white flowers appear and are followed by edible purple berries in winter that attract native birds. It tolerates a wide range of soils and positions and is highly resistant to psyllids, making it a superior alternative to older Lilly Pilly varieties. Perfect for suburban hedges, council plantings, or large pots.
Growth and Maintenance:
Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature
Fertilising: Use a slow-release fertiliser in spring and summer for best results
Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Pruning:
Hedge or Screen: Plant at 60cm–1m intervals; prune regularly to maintain size and density
Tree Form: Can be clear-trunked into a small tree by gradually removing lower branches
Symmetry and Structure: Prune for shape and to encourage compact growth
Suckers: Remove any basal water shoots if they appear
Common Uses:
Formal or informal hedging
Privacy screening
Container planting and topiary
Wildlife-friendly native gardens
Council and urban landscapes
Planting Benefits:
Aesthetic Appeal: Bright new growth and glossy foliage add colour and texture
Wildlife Friendly: Attracts birds and insects with flowers and fruit
Versatility: Ideal for shaping, screening, or formal design
Hardy and Resilient: Low maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of conditions
