7+ Powerful Facts: How Quickly Do Lilly Pillys Grow?

Introduction

How quickly do lilly pillys grow is one of the most common questions gardeners ask when planning a hedge or privacy screen. Lilly pilly plants are popular for their dense foliage, resilience, and relatively fast growth rate. On average, the lilly pilly growth rate ranges from moderate to fast, depending on variety and growing conditions. Many people want to know how long do lilly pillys take to grow, how fast a hedge fills out, and what the yearly growth rate looks like. Growth speed differences are influenced by climate, sunlight, soil quality, watering habits, and fertiliser use.

How Quickly Do Lilly Pillys Grow on Average?

The typical lilly pilly growth rate is around 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) per year under good conditions. Some fast-growing varieties can exceed this range.

For a useful benchmark, see this guide on Ficus Hillii Flash growth rate if you’re also considering another popular hedge plant with strong screening potential.

When asking:

• How fast do lilly pillys grow?
  Most established plants grow steadily at a moderate to fast pace each year.
• How fast does lilly pilly grow?
  Growth depends on soil quality, sunlight, and watering frequency.
• How long does lilly pilly take to grow?
  A young plant can reach hedge height (1.5–2 meters) in about 2–4 years.

In terms of height potential:

• How high do lilly pillies grow?
  Depending on species, mature plants can reach 3–10 meters if unpruned.

For hedges:

• Lilly pilly hedge growth rate averages 30–50 cm per year.
• How fast do lilly pilly hedges grow per year?
  With proper care, hedges can establish quickly and form a dense screen within 2–3 years.

What Affects Lilly Pilly Growth Rate?

Climate & Seasonal Growth

Lilly pillys perform best in warm climates.

• Do lilly pilly grow faster in summer?
  Yes. Active growth occurs in spring and summer.
• Winter growth rate of lilly pilly explained:
  Growth slows significantly in cooler months.
• Lilly pilly growing zone:
  Suitable for warm temperate to subtropical regions.
• What is the average lilly pilly growth rate in Australia?
  In ideal Australian climates, growth can reach the higher end of the 30–60 cm annual range.

For more compact landscape options, explore Australian natives for small gardens if you want screening plants that suit tighter spaces and low-maintenance planting.

Sunlight & Position

• Do lilly pilly grow faster in full sun?
  Yes. Full sun promotes faster and denser growth.
• Does lilly pilly grow well in shade?
  It tolerates partial shade, but growth becomes slower and less compact.

Soil & Water Requirements

Ideal lilly pilly growing conditions include:

• Well-draining soil
• Slightly acidic to neutral pH
• Consistent moisture

Best soil type that boosts lilly pilly growth:

• Loamy, organic-rich soil

How often should you water lilly pilly for maximum growth?

• Water deeply 1–2 times per week during establishment.

Can mulch help lilly pilly grow faster?
Yes. Mulch improves moisture retention and root temperature stability.

Fertiliser & Nutrients

The best fertilizer for faster lilly pilly growth is a balanced, slow-release fertiliser formulated for native plants.

• Use quality lilly pilly fertiliser / fertilizer in spring and early summer.
• Avoid over-fertilising, which can stress roots.

How Long Does It Take for a Lilly Pilly Hedge to Fill Out?

How long does it take for a lilly pilly hedge to fill out?
Typically 2–3 years for a dense hedge under ideal conditions.

If you’re deciding between hedge plants for density, this Teddy Bear Magnolia hedge guide can help you compare screening performance and maintenance needs.

• How tall do lilly pilly hedges grow?
  Common hedge height ranges from 1.5–3 meters.
• How wide do lilly pilly hedges spread?
  Spread varies by variety, usually 1–2 meters.

Proper lilly pilly hedge spacing is essential:

• Plant 50–100 cm apart for quicker fill-in.

When learning how to grow a lilly pilly hedge:

• Choose fast-growing varieties.
• Prepare soil thoroughly.
• Water consistently.

For how to plant lilly pilly hedge:

• Dig holes twice the width of the root ball.
• Improve soil with compost.
• Mulch after planting.

Fastest Growing Lilly Pilly Varieties (Compared)

Fast Growing & Screening Types

Some varieties stand out as:

• Fast growing lilly pilly
• Fastest growing lilly pilly
• Ideal for privacy screens

When comparing fast growing lilly pilly varieties, look for strong upright growth.

The best lilly pilly variety for quick screening often belongs to species like Syzygium australe or Syzygium smithii.

The fastest growing lilly pilly for privacy screens offers dense foliage and rapid vertical growth.

If you’re comparing privacy options, you can also explore other fast growing evergreen trees that work well for year-round screening.

Popular Hedging Types

Common lilly pilly varieties for hedging include:

• ‘Straight and Narrow’
• ‘Backyard Bliss’
• Lilly pilly resilience growth rate: strong and steady
• Lilly pilly straight and narrow growth rate: upright and compact
• Backyard bliss lilly pilly growth rate: moderate to fast

Both Syzygium australe and Syzygium smithii are widely planted for hedges.

If you like comparison-style decisions, this breakdown of Teddy Bear Magnolia vs Little Gem is a good example of how growth habit and pruning needs affect hedging results.

Lilly Pilly Growth Rate in Pots vs Ground

Can lilly pilly grow in pots?
Yes, especially compact varieties.

Growing lilly pilly in pots requires:

• Large containers
• Quality potting mix
• Frequent watering

Lilly pilly growth rate in pots vs ground:
Growth in pots is slower due to restricted root space.

How quickly do lilly pilly trees grow in ideal conditions?
In open ground with full sun and good soil, growth is significantly faster.

Why Is My Lilly Pilly Not Growing?

Common Growth Problems

If asking why is my lilly pilly not growing?

Common causes include:

• Poor drainage
• Nutrient deficiency
• Insufficient sunlight
• Pest stress

Why is my lilly pilly growing slowly?
Often due to compacted soil or irregular watering.

After Transplanting

Lilly pilly growth after transplanting – what to expect:
Temporary slow growth for several weeks while roots establish.

How to Speed Up Growth

• How to make lilly pilly grow faster: improve soil and sunlight exposure.
• How to speed up lilly pilly growth naturally: apply compost and mulch.
• How to encourage lilly pilly growth: consistent watering and balanced fertiliser.
• Light pruning tips to encourage faster lilly pilly growth: trim lightly to stimulate branching.

How Long Does a Lilly Pilly Take to Reach Full Height?

• How long do lilly pillys take to grow?
  Most reach hedge height in 2–4 years.
• How long does a lilly pilly take to reach full height?
  Depending on variety, full maturity may take 5–10 years.

Growth from lilly pilly seedlings to mature hedge:

• Year 1: Root establishment
• Years 2–3: Rapid vertical growth
• Years 4+: Dense canopy development

Conclusion – Are Lilly Pillys Truly Fast Growing?

Lilly pillys are considered moderately to fast growing under ideal conditions. With 30–60 cm annual growth, they are excellent for hedging and privacy screens. Full sun, well-draining soil, consistent watering, mulch, and balanced fertiliser produce the fastest results. Choosing the right variety—especially fast-growing screening types—ensures quicker hedge formation and long-term success.

FAQs

How quickly do lilly pillys grow per year?

They typically grow 30–60 cm per year under ideal conditions.

Do lilly pilly grow faster in summer than winter?

Yes, growth is strongest in spring and summer and slows in winter.

What is the fastest growing lilly pilly variety?

Some varieties of Syzygium australe are among the fastest for screening.

How long does it take for a lilly pilly hedge to become dense?

Usually 2–3 years with proper spacing and care.

Can lilly pilly grow well in pots?

Yes, but growth is slower compared to planting in open ground.

Why is my lilly pilly growing slowly even with fertilizer?

Slow growth may result from poor drainage, limited sunlight, or root stress rather than nutrient deficiency.