A graceful evergreen Australian native with gently weeping branches of glossy ripple-edged leaves and fluffy cream flowers. Excellent as a tall screen, shade tree or feature.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 10 m H × 6 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Weeping Lilly Pilly
Botanically, Waterhousea floribunda is a moderate-growing tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to New South Wales and Queensland. It reaches around 10 m tall and 6 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Cream green and white flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Weeping Lilly Pilly
Weeping Lilly Pilly suits subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Weeping Lilly Pilly does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 3.6 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Weeping Lilly Pilly does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Weeping Lilly Pilly after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Weeping Lilly Pilly in the garden
Weeping Lilly Pilly earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a shade tree, a feature or specimen planting and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Weeping Lilly Pilly with species that also favour regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe. It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Weeping Lilly Pilly
Plant Sale lists Weeping Lilly Pilly as potted plants and advanced specimens. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
