10 of Our Favourite Grevilleas for Sunshine Coast Gardens
Acmena 'Cherry Surprise' is a compact Australian native lilly pilly selected for its vibrant cherry-red new growth, dense evergreen foliage and naturally tidy growth habit. This attractive, psyllid-resistant variety provides year-round colour and structure, making it an excellent choice for low hedging, borders, screening, feature planting and containers. Fast growing, hardy and easy to maintain, 'Cherry Surprise' thrives in a wide range of Australian conditions and is equally suited to residential and commercial landscapes.
Small, fluffy white flowers appear from late spring to early summer, attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators.
Glossy deep green evergreen foliage is highlighted by brilliant cherry-red new growth that creates striking seasonal colour and contrast throughout the year.
Small edible berries develop after flowering, ripening from pink to purple. The fruit is attractive to native birds and other wildlife.
A compact, dense evergreen shrub with a naturally rounded habit.
Mature Size: Approximately 1.5–2m high × 1–1.5m wide
Sun: Full sun to part shade.
Soil: Grows well in most well-drained soils including sandy, loamy and clay soils enriched with organic matter.
Water: Water regularly during establishment. Once established it is moderately drought tolerant but performs best with occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.
Frost: Tolerates light frost.
Wind: Excellent tolerance of coastal conditions and moderate winds.
Climate: Well suited to subtropical, temperate and coastal climates throughout Australia.
Very low maintenance. Light pruning after periods of active growth will encourage dense foliage and enhance the colourful new flushes. Feed annually with a quality slow-release fertiliser during spring and keep well mulched for best performance.
'Cherry Surprise' has been selected for its outstanding cherry-red new growth, compact habit and high resistance to lilly pilly psyllid. Its naturally dense growth means less pruning is required than many traditional lilly pillies, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens and formal hedging.
Common Name: Cherry Surprise Lilly Pilly
Botanical Name: Acmena smithii minor 'Cherry Surprise'
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Cultivated selection of the Australian native Acmena smithii minor.
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