Acmena ‘Sublime’ (Lilly Pilly)
Acmena ‘Sublime’ is a compact, dense-growing Lilly Pilly cultivar selected for its refined foliage, tight growth habit, and strong performance as a hedge or screening plant. Native to Australia, it is widely used in residential and commercial landscapes due to its reliability, neat appearance, and low maintenance requirements.
New growth emerges in soft bronze to pink tones before maturing to a glossy mid to deep green, providing subtle seasonal colour variation. The foliage is smaller and more compact than many standard Lilly Pilly varieties, contributing to a clean, manicured look even with minimal pruning.
Key Features
Acmena ‘Sublime’ is particularly valued for its dense branching structure and consistent leaf size, making it highly suitable for formal hedging and topiary work.
It is also known for its improved resistance to psyllids (a common pest affecting Lilly Pillies), resulting in smoother, blemish-free foliage compared to older varieties.
The plant produces small white flowers in warmer months, followed by decorative berries, although flowering is often reduced when regularly trimmed as a hedge.
Growth Habit and Size
This cultivar develops a naturally upright and compact form, with dense foliage from top to base.
It typically reaches 3 to 5 metres in height if left unpruned, with a spread of 1.5 to 3 metres. When used as a hedge, it is commonly maintained between 1 and 3 metres depending on application.
Growth rate is moderate to fast under favourable conditions, particularly with regular watering and feeding.
Care Requirements
Light
Performs well in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages denser growth and better colour development.
Watering
Requires regular watering during establishment. Once established, it becomes moderately drought tolerant but maintains best appearance with consistent moisture.
Water 1–2 times per week depending on conditions, with increased frequency during hot or dry periods.
Soil
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, provided drainage is adequate. Prefers well-draining soils with organic matter.
Temperature and Climate
Well suited to a broad range of Australian climates, particularly coastal, temperate, and subtropical regions. It tolerates light frost once established.
Maintenance
Responds well to pruning and can be clipped regularly to maintain a formal hedge or shape. Its naturally dense growth reduces the need for frequent trimming compared to more open varieties.
Fertilising during the growing season supports vigorous growth and maintains foliage colour. A general-purpose or native fertiliser is suitable.
Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Common Issues
Generally low-maintenance with good pest resistance.
Occasional minor pest activity may occur, but significant issues are uncommon compared to other Lilly Pilly varieties.
Yellowing leaves may indicate poor drainage or nutrient imbalance.
Applications
Acmena ‘Sublime’ is ideal for:
Formal hedging and screening
Privacy planting
Topiary and structured garden design
Boundary planting
Commercial landscapes
Coastal gardens
Its dense foliage and compact growth make it particularly effective where a clean, uniform hedge is required.
Specification and Care Chart
| Attribute |
Details |
| Botanical Name |
Acmena smithii ‘Sublime’ |
| Common Name |
Sublime Lilly Pilly |
| Plant Type |
Evergreen shrub / small tree |
| Mature Height |
3 m to 5 m (unpruned) |
| Growth Habit |
Dense, upright, compact |
| Growth Rate |
Moderate to fast |
| Light Conditions |
Full sun to partial shade |
| Direct Sunlight |
Suitable |
| Watering Frequency |
1–2 times per week (more during establishment) |
| Soil Type |
Well-draining, adaptable |
| Drainage Requirement |
Essential |
| Temperature Range |
Temperate to subtropical |
| Frost Tolerance |
Moderate (once established) |
| Humidity |
Moderate to high |
| Fertiliser |
General-purpose or native fertiliser |
| Maintenance Level |
Low |
| Pest Resistance |
High (psyllid resistant) |
| Toxicity |
Not commonly regarded as toxic |
FAQ – Acmena ‘Sublime’
Is Acmena ‘Sublime’ good for hedging?
Yes, it is specifically selected for dense, compact growth, making it ideal for formal hedges and screening.
How often should it be pruned?
It can be pruned as needed to maintain shape, typically a few times per year depending on desired form.
Does it get psyllids?
This cultivar has improved resistance to psyllids compared to many older Lilly Pilly varieties.
How fast does it grow?
Growth is moderate to fast under good conditions with regular watering and feeding.
Can it tolerate full sun?
Yes, it performs well in full sun and partial shade.
How tall does it grow?
Up to 5 metres if unpruned, but commonly maintained at lower heights for hedging.
