Over the last 20 years Eugenia ventenati has been the most popular hedging species planted in northern New Zealand. This Australian native has a compact upright growth habit that responds remarkably to trimming. Hedges several metres high and less than a metre wide can be achieved with regular pruning. New foliage is deep maroon red changing to dark glossy green as it ages.

Eugenia should be planted in full sun, in good fertile soil and kept well watered over dry summer months. Shape or prune after each flush of new growth to maintain a dense sharp hedge. Spray occasionally with a systemic insecticide to keep psyllids, (a tiny scale like insect) at bay.

Eugenia is an excellent topiary subject, screen or hedge tree. Use Eugenia to create a formal walled garden or as a living fence, screen or shelter.

The botanical name Eugenia ventenati has been under debate for some time and may still be wrong. Originally incorrectly listed in nurseries as Waterhousia floribunda it may well soon change to Syzigium australe “Ventenati”. Lily Pilly or Rose Apple are the common names but these names also apply to many different species found throughout Subtropical America and Australasia .

Click here for our handy Planting guide.