‘Big Red’ is a vigorous Australian native selected for its large glossy foliage and vibrant flushes of bright red new growth. It forms a dense, upright shrub ideal for screening, hedging, or feature planting. Compared to smaller lilly pilly varieties, it develops broader leaves and a stronger vertical presence, making it suitable for taller privacy hedges.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; occasional once established
Soil: Well-draining soil enriched with organic matter
Skill level: Beginner
Growth rate: Fast
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, when maintained with pruning
Mature Height: 4–6 m (can be kept lower with pruning)
Mature Width: 2–3 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Light frost tolerant
Wind Tolerant: Moderate
Leaf colour: Glossy green with bright red new growth
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 8–12 cm long, broad and oval
Flower Colour: Creamy white
Flower Shape: Small fluffy clusters
Flower Fragrance: Light
Flower Season: Spring to early summer
Fruit Colour: Pink to red
Fruit Shape: Rounded berries
Fruit Fragrance: Mild
Fruit Season: Summer
Fruit Edibility: Edible (mild flavour; often used for jams or eaten fresh)
‘Big Red’ is a vigorous Australian native selected for its large glossy foliage and vibrant flushes of bright red new growth. It forms a dense, upright shrub ideal for screening, hedging, or feature planting. Compared to smaller lilly pilly varieties, it develops broader leaves and a stronger vertical presence, making it suitable for taller privacy hedges.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; occasional once established
Soil: Well-draining soil enriched with organic matter
Skill level: Beginner
Growth rate: Fast
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, when maintained with pruning
Mature Height: 4–6 m (can be kept lower with pruning)
Mature Width: 2–3 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Light frost tolerant
Wind Tolerant: Moderate
Leaf colour: Glossy green with bright red new growth
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 8–12 cm long, broad and oval
Flower Colour: Creamy white
Flower Shape: Small fluffy clusters
Flower Fragrance: Light
Flower Season: Spring to early summer
Fruit Colour: Pink to red
Fruit Shape: Rounded berries
Fruit Fragrance: Mild
Fruit Season: Summer
Fruit Edibility: Edible (mild flavour; often used for jams or eaten fresh)
