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Shrub with red and green leaves in a garden setting

Close-up of a plant with red and green leaves against a blurred natural background

Young potted plant with a label in an outdoor setting

Lilly Pilly 'Pencil Red' - Acmena smithii

Name: Lilly Pilly 'Pencil Red' - Acmena smithii
Brand: Plant Nest
SKU: Lilly Pilly Pencil Red - 14cm
Price: 16.95 AUD
Availability: InStock

A narrow, upright Australian native lilly pilly selected for tight hedging and screening, featuring rich red new growth that matures to deep green.

$21.95

$16.95

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Pot size:

14cm

Variant

Free Delivery to Melbourne Metro for Orders over $750.00*

Quick Facts

Position

Full sun to semi shade for best growth.

Size

Grows approximately 2.5-4m tall and 1-1.5m wide with a narrow upright habit.

Water

Moderate water requirements, keep moist during dry periods.

Uses

Narrow hedging and screening, containers, courtyards, balconies, coastal and formal gardens

Description

Acmena smithii Pencil Red is selected for its slender, upright form, making it ideal where space is limited but height is required. New growth emerges a rich red before maturing to glossy green, providing strong foliage contrast throughout the year. Cream flowers appear from spring to summer, attracting birds and beneficial insects, followed by small edible fruit.

Key Features:

Narrow, upright habit ideal for tight spaces and boundary planting
Rich red new growth maturing to deep green foliage
Fast growth rate suitable for quick screening
Evergreen native with low maintenance requirements
Generally trouble free with good pest resistance

Growing & Care Guide

Soil: Prefers well-drained loam or sandy soils but adapts to most conditions.
Light: Full sun to semi shade for best growth and colour.
Watering: Water regularly while establishing; drought tolerant once mature.
Fertiliser: Apply a low phosphorus slow-release fertiliser suitable for native plants.
Maintenance: Lightly trim two to three times a year to maintain compact form.
Flowering: Cream flowers appear in spring and summer.

Landscaping Ideas

Acmena smithii Pencil Red is ideal for narrow hedges along boundaries, driveways, and pathways where width is limited. It performs well in containers, balconies, and rooftop gardens, and suits coastal, formal, and contemporary landscapes. Use as a clipped hedge or a tall, narrow screen for privacy.

Expert Tip

Clip regularly during the growing season to encourage vibrant red new growth and maintain hedge density.

FAQ's

Q: How often should Acmena ‘Pencil Red’ be pruned?

A: Prune lightly two to three times per year to maintain a dense, upright habit.

Q: Is it suitable for small spaces?

A: Yes, its slim form makes it ideal for narrow garden beds or along fences.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts birds and beneficial insects when in flower.

Why Choose Plant Nest?

At Plant Nest, we make it easy to buy plants online with delivery direct to your door. Every plant is hand-selected for quality, carefully packed, and backed by expert advice so you can grow with confidence.

Plant Nest Lilly Pilly 'Pencil Red' - Acmena smithii

$21.95

$16.95

-23%