Brush cherry
Syzygium paniculatum · Myrtaceae
📷 Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant brush cherry: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Brush cherry, Magenta lilly pilly
- Foliage
- Evergreen, shiny green
- Flowering
- Spring-summer (white or pink flowers in panicles)
- Adult size
- 2 to 4 m tall, 1.5 to 3 m wide
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Sensitive to cold, from 5-8 °C
- Origin
- Australia (South-East)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rich in organic matter
Care
Exposure
Place it in full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. It tolerates partial shade but prefers bright locations. Avoid direct exposure to strong winds that can damage the foliage.
Watering
Water regularly during active growth and flowering, making sure not to leave the soil waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter or during rest periods. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil and substrate
Grow it in fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Add potting soil and organic amendments to improve structure. In pots, use a specific mix for fruit shrubs.
Fertilizer
Feed it with balanced fertilizer in spring and early summer. Reduce applications in autumn and winter. An annual layer of compost on the surface is usually sufficient for plants grown in the ground.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, branched shape. Remove dead or crossing branches. Avoid severe pruning that slows growth.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites and mealybugs, especially indoors or in dry climates. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal problems. Isolate any infested plant from others.
Did you know?
Syzygium paniculatum is a staple of Australian flora, traditionally valued by Aboriginal peoples for its small edible violet-blackish berries. Its spectacular flowers attract pollinators and birds, making it a choice species for ecological Mediterranean or warm temperate gardens.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Blue gumEucalyptus globulus
- MyrtleMyrtus communis
- MānukaLeptospermum scoparium
- Strawberry guavaPsidium cattleianum
- Snow gumEucalyptus pauciflora
- Woolly TeatreeLeptospermum lanigerum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.