Firescreen Lilly Pilly – Acmena smithii 'Firescreen'

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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 Show more