Evergreen large shrub that grows to approx 6-8 metres. Fantastic fast growing screening plant. Shiny dark green foliage with lovely new red growth. Red berries with white fluffy flowers appear in spring/summer. Bird attracting. Tolerates a wide range of soil types. Pruning regularly will encourage dense foliage from the ground level up. Suitable as a specimen, shade tree or bushy hedge plant.

Average Pot size : Plants are approx 1.8-2 metres x 500mm (bushy) in this pot size.

Common Questions:

How long will it take to get this plant to approx 3-4 metres in height as I want to screen the neighbour? Acmena Smithii is a fast growing hedge plant (probably one of the fastest amongst the Lilly Pilly species). . Depending on conditions approx 2-3 years if planted in this size (45L)

What is the recommended spacing for Acmena Smithii? In prinicipal the recommended spacing for Acmena Smithii is every 600-700mm apart, however this depends on the pot size you initially plant.  Depending on how dense you would like the screening to look initially, 45L size should be spaced approx 1 to 1.3 metres apart, however if your budget allows and your quite inpatient and would like a thick dense hedge when planting, you can plant as close as 800mm apart in this pot size.

How often will I need to prune this type of plant? Acmena Smithii only requires pruning once a year.   This can be done  in Autumn or Spring.  Remember to always feed your plants at the same time as pruning, to encourage new growth.  Never prune in the middle of the day when it is very hot as the plants will suffer from stress and may begin to wilt.  Always prune early morning or late afternoon.  Pruning will encourage new foliage, if you choose not to prune your hedge that is fine too.  Some people like an informal, natural, native look to their garden.

Will I wait until the plant reaches my desired height before pruning? No, you should prune at least twice a year to ensure new foliage is growing from the base of the plant right up to the top.  If you leave your plants without pruning regularly, the plant will become woody and it will be difficult to cut back when they are at a mature age without damaging the structure of the plant.  You want nice new growth appearing right throughout every branch so you can box up without having holes in your hedge.

How can I increase the growth of the plant?   The answer is ensure you fertilise regularly (at least twice a year with a slow release fertiliser 6 month release) and ensure adequate water is delivered.  You should also ensure plenty of mulch is applied (At least 3-4 inches thick).  You can use any type of mulch such as pine bark, leaf mulch, euc mulch, tea tree, sugar cane or forest blend.  This will make a huge difference to the growth of your plants.