Riberry (Syzygium luehmannii)

When it flowers

January, flowering
February, not flowering
March, not flowering
April, not flowering
May, not flowering
June, not flowering
July, not flowering
August, not flowering
September, not flowering
October, not flowering
November, flowering
December, flowering

Leaf of Syzygium luehmannii, riberry, showing red new growth.. Photo: John Moss, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Syzygium luehmannii new growth, Mt Keira Botanic Gardens. Photo: Poyt448 Peter Woodard, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Syzygium luehmannii - Small-leaved Lilly Pilly, Tree endemic to Eastern Australia. Edible berries. (not much taste) Family: Myrtaceae. Photo: Tatiana Gerus from Brisbane, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1 of 3

Fine-leaved lilly pilly with pink new growth and clove-flavoured red berries.

A rainforest tree with small, wavy-edged leaves that give it a finer look than other lilly pillies. New growth comes in bright pink flushes. Small pear-shaped red fruit follow the summer flowers and are one of the best-known bush foods.

In the garden

Feature plant
Hedging
Screening
Street or verge

Flowers: Small creamy-white fluffy flowers in clusters.
Leaves: Small, glossy, wavy-edged leaves; new growth bright pink.
Attracts: Birds, pollinating insects and shelter for small wildlife

Bush food

Small red pear-shaped fruit ripen in summer and autumn. Spicy, clove-like flavour; used in jams, sauces and desserts.

Growing conditions

Climate: Tropical, subtropical and temperate
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Sandy, loam and clay
Drainage: Needs good drainage
Frost: Light frost
Water: Some dry spells
Coast: Sheltered coastal gardens

Planting and care

Grown from: Seed and cuttings

Planting

Sun or part shade in deep, moist, well-drained soil. Mulch well and water through the first summer. Ripe fruit falls and stains paving and cars, so keep larger plants back from driveways and paths.

Pruning

Clips well into a hedge or can be left to grow as a small tree.

Care

Water in dry spells and feed in spring. Myrtle rust can attack new growth; remove badly affected shoots.

Where it comes from

Family: Myrtaceae
Order: Myrtales
Native to: New South Wales and Queensland
Natural range: Rainforest of north-east Queensland and from south-east Queensland to the NSW mid north coast.

Widely available.

We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.

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Riberry Syzygium luehmannii