How to Use Lilly Pilly for Natural Privacy Screens and Hedges

Lilly pilly is one of Australia’s most loved evergreen plants, prized for its lush foliage, vibrant berries, and fast-growing nature. Its versatility and resilience make it an ideal option for homeowners seeking an attractive, low-maintenance solution for hedging and privacy screens. Whether you want to create a serene backyard retreat or simply block out nosy neighbours, this native wonder fits perfectly into both contemporary and traditional garden designs. In this article, we’ll explore how to grow and maintain lilly pilly hedges and why they’re a smart choice for enhancing your garden’s privacy and appeal.

Choosing the Right Lilly Pilly Variety for Your Garden

When planning your hedge, selecting the right lilly pilly variety is the first and most crucial step. With several cultivars available—ranging in size, foliage colour, and growth rate—you can tailor your choice to suit your space and garden style.

For small yards or courtyards, compact varieties like ‘Tiny Trev’ or ‘Backyard Bliss’ are perfect, growing to manageable heights while still forming dense screens. If you’re looking to create a taller barrier, ‘Resilience’ or ‘Cascade’ can grow up to five metres and provide excellent coverage.

To simplify your search, it's a great idea to buy plants online from a reputable supplier. This allows you to compare multiple varieties, access expert advice, and have your chosen plants delivered directly to your door—saving time and effort while ensuring you get healthy, nursery-grown specimens.

Preparing the Soil and Planting for Optimal Growth

Getting the soil right is essential to ensure strong root development and healthy, lush growth. Lilly pilly thrives in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter like compost or aged manure. Prior to planting, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 30cm and mix in soil conditioners to boost nutrient content and water retention.

Once your soil is ready, space your plants according to their mature size—generally between 50cm to 1 metre apart for hedging purposes. Water in well after planting and apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Ordering from an online nursery means your plants arrive fresh and ready for planting. Many nurseries also provide detailed planting guides and ongoing support to help your garden thrive through every season.

Shaping and Maintaining Your Lilly Pilly Hedge

Lilly pilly responds well to pruning, which makes it easy to maintain a tidy, attractive hedge throughout the year. Light pruning every few months encourages bushier growth, ensuring your screen stays dense and lush from top to bottom.

Regular watering is key during the first year, especially through warmer months. Once established, lilly pilly is drought-tolerant but will still benefit from deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Fertilise in early spring and late summer using a slow-release native fertiliser to keep foliage vibrant and healthy.

You can find expert care tips and a wide selection of native plants through reputable online plants suppliers. Their websites often include helpful maintenance guides tailored to Australian gardens, giving you everything you need to support your green investment.

Companion Plants for a Beautiful, Functional Garden

Pairing lilly pilly with complementary plants can create a visually stunning and environmentally supportive garden. Adding colour, texture, and seasonal interest, companion planting also helps with pest control and soil health.

For contrast, native grasses like lomandra or flowering plants like grevilleas can add dimension and attract pollinators. Another excellent hedge option to alternate or blend with lilly pilly is pittosporum. Known for its rapid growth and dense foliage, it offers a different leaf texture and colour while performing just as well as a privacy plant.

Using combinations like these creates a layered look that’s both attractive and functional—adding depth and diversity to your landscaping design.

Final Thoughts: Transform Your Outdoor Space with Privacy and Style

Lilly pilly is more than just a pretty plant—it’s a practical, versatile, and native solution for creating natural privacy screens and hedges in any Australian garden. With the right variety, soil preparation, and ongoing care, you can enjoy a lush, green barrier that enhances both privacy and aesthetic value.

Ready to create your own living privacy screen? Explore our wide range of native and exotic plants at Online Plants. Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Call us today at 0394241946 or email us at store@onlineplants.com.au to get started on your garden transformation!