Waterhousia floribunda Amaroo

Description:
Waterhousia floribunda 'Amaroo', commonly known as Weeping Lilly Pilly, is a graceful evergreen tree characterized by its pendulous branches and lush, glossy green foliage. It is a versatile Australian native, often used as a feature tree or for hedging and screening due to its dense growth habit. 'Amaroo' is a more compact cultivar of Waterhousia floribunda, making it ideal for smaller gardens or urban spaces while still offering the same elegant, weeping form.

Flowers:
In spring and summer, Waterhousia floribunda 'Amaroo' produces small, fluffy white to cream-colored flowers. These blooms are subtle but attract pollinators such as bees. The flowers are followed by small, non-showy fruits.

Foliage:
The foliage is glossy and dark green, with slightly wavy, lance-shaped leaves that create a dense, lush canopy. The new growth often has a reddish or bronze tint, adding seasonal interest. The tree's weeping habit gives it a soft, cascading appearance, which makes it a beautiful ornamental plant.

Fruit:
Small, inconspicuous green fruits may appear after flowering, but they are not a prominent feature of the tree. These fruits are generally not considered edible.

Form and Size:
'Amaroo' typically grows to a height of 5-8 meters with a spread of 3-5 meters. Its weeping branches create a flowing, fountain-like form that makes it suitable for use as a screening or hedge plant. This cultivar has a naturally compact growth habit, making it more manageable for smaller gardens than the standard Waterhousia floribunda.

Growing Conditions:
Thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. While it appreciates regular watering, Waterhousia floribunda 'Amaroo' is drought-tolerant once established. It can tolerate mild frosts and performs well in both tropical and temperate climates. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Uses:
'Waterhousia floribunda* 'Amaroo' is an excellent choice for privacy screens, hedges, or as a feature tree in formal or informal gardens. Its compact size makes it well-suited to urban landscapes or small garden spaces, and its elegant, weeping form adds softness to any landscape design.

Maintenance:
Low-maintenance and easy to grow, 'Amaroo' benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape, especially when used as a hedge or screen. Pruning after flowering will encourage bushy growth and maintain its compact form. Fertilizing in spring will support vigorous growth and vibrant foliage.

Notes:
'Waterhousia floribunda' 'Amaroo' is psyllid-resistant, which makes it a preferred choice over other lilly pilly varieties that are prone to leaf distortion from pest infestations. Its weeping form and compact growth habit make it a standout choice for those seeking an ornamental feature tree with practical benefits.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with contrasting plants like Westringia, Syzygium australe, or Lomandra, which offer different textures and forms. It also works beautifully with other native Australian plants, providing a lush, green backdrop to flowering shrubs and grasses.

Common Name: Weeping Lilly Pilly 'Amaroo'
Botanical Name: Waterhousia floribunda 'Amaroo'
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Australia

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