Lilly Pilly Cherry Surprise

Acmena smithii ‘Cherry Surprise‘ is a Lilly Pilly cultivar of the Australian brush cherry, known for its vibrant red new growth and dense, glossy evergreen foliage. It is a compact, versatile plant commonly used in landscaping, especially for hedges, screening, and decorative purposes. Here’s an in-depth look at Acmena smithii ‘Cherry Surprise’:

1. Appearance:

• Cherry Surprise has lush, glossy dark green leaves that provide an attractive backdrop throughout the year.
• The most striking feature is its vibrant new growth, which emerges in brilliant red or pink tones, creating a colorful contrast with the mature green foliage.
• The plant has a dense, bushy habit and forms a rounded, compact shape, making it ideal for use as a hedge or feature plant.
• In late spring to summer, it produces small white or cream-colored flowers in clusters, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. These flowers are followed by small, round, purple to black berries, adding extra interest.

2. Size:

• Acmena smithii ‘Cherry Surprise’ typically grows to about 1.5-2.5 meters (5-8 feet) in height and around 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet) in width, depending on growing conditions and pruning.
• It can be pruned to maintain a more compact size or shaped into a hedge, making it flexible for a variety of landscaping needs.

3. Growth Rate:

• This cultivar has a moderate to fast growth rate, especially when provided with the right growing conditions.
• It is relatively quick to establish, forming a dense, well-rounded shrub within a couple of years.

4. Flowers:

• Cherry Surprise produces small clusters of white or cream flowers in late spring or early summer.
• While the flowers themselves are not very showy, they are highly attractive to pollinators and provide seasonal interest.
• The small fruits that follow the flowers are purple to black when mature, adding another layer of visual appeal.

5. Care:

• Sunlight: Acmena smithii ‘Cherry Surprise’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best color on the new growth, full sun is ideal.
• Soil: It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types. It does best in fertile, moist soil.
• Watering: While it’s drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is beneficial during the first few years of growth and during prolonged dry periods. Ensure that the plant is not sitting in waterlogged soil.
• Pruning: This cultivar responds well to pruning, and regular trimming will help maintain its compact, dense shape. Prune after flowering to keep it tidy and encourage fresh growth.

6. Uses:

• Hedge or Screen: Due to its dense foliage and natural compact growth habit, Cherry Surprise is an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or creating privacy barriers.
• Specimen Plant: Its vibrant red new growth and glossy leaves make it a striking feature plant for the garden or a colorful addition to mixed borders.
• Topiary: With regular pruning, it can also be shaped into topiary forms, adding structure and interest to the landscape.
• Coastal Gardens: It can be used in coastal gardens due to its tolerance for salt and wind, making it suitable for seaside locations.

7. Pests and Diseases:

• Acmena smithii ‘Cherry Surprise’ is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by common garden pests such as aphids, scale, and mealybugs.
• Fungal diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot can occasionally affect it, especially in humid conditions. Proper spacing for air circulation and good garden hygiene can help prevent this.
• Overall, it is considered a relatively low-maintenance plant that does not suffer from many significant pest or disease issues.

8. Special Considerations:

• Hardiness: Acmena smithii ‘Cherry Surprise’ thrives in warm, frost-free climates and can tolerate light frosts, though it’s best protected from freezing temperatures.
• Salt Tolerance: It has moderate tolerance for salt, making it suitable for coastal gardens or areas exposed to salt spray.
• Pruning for Shape: Regular pruning can encourage denser growth and maintain its compact form, making it easy to use for low hedges, borders, or small garden features.

In Summary:

Acmena smithii ‘Cherry Surprise’ is a colorful, low-maintenance shrub that adds year-round interest with its vibrant new growth, dense foliage, and seasonal flowers. Its compact size makes it ideal for hedging, screening, or as a specimen plant in small to medium-sized gardens. Whether used in a sunny border, as a privacy screen, or in coastal landscapes, this cultivar’s striking red new growth and glossy leaves are sure to make an impact in the garden.