Are Lilly Pilly Plants Beneficial for Pollinators?

Do Lilly Pillies attract pollinators like birds, bees, and butterflies? What about beneficial predators and parasitoids like hoverflies and micro wasps?

Encouraging pollinators into our gardens brings a variety of benefits: it can decrease pest populations, assist ecology with biodiversity support, and also bring us joy to see these wonderful creatures in our gardens.

Understanding Pollination in Gardens

The process of pollination involves transferring pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, enabling plants to produce fruits and seeds. In flowering plants, this is usually done with the help of a “pollinator,” which is an organism that usually seeks out the food resources a flower has to offer.

Pollinators vary in size and shape, each with unique mouthparts suited to their specific roles. From the chewing mouthparts of beetles to the sucking mouthparts of bees and the tongues of birds, mammals, and other larger pollinators, the diversity of pollinators is essential for plant propagation in natural ecosystem.

In urban areas, the ecosystem has significantly changed since colonial settlement. It’s each of our responsibility to prevent biodiversity collapse by providing resources for our native pollinators, especially when it comes to installing beneficial plants like lilly pillies.

How Lilly Pilly Plants Support Pollinators

Lilly Pilly plants, scientifically known as Syzygium, Waterhousea and Acmena (now reclassified into Syzygium) spp., exhibit attributes that make them appealing to pollinators.

Their delicate, fuzzy flowers serve as a rich source of sustenance for various pollinators, offering both pollen and nectar. Additionally, while their fruits don’t necessarily feed pollinators, they provide an additional resource for ecology.

The shrubby nature of Lilly Pilly plants creates habitats for a diverse array of fauna, contributing to the overall ecosystem health. Psyllids and calypso beetles are the major “pests” of lilly pillies, but even these provide a food source for higher-order predators and parasitoids.

Benefits of Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden

The presence of pollinators in your garden yields numerous advantages. Increased fruit production (where relevant), effective pest control through natural predation, and enhanced biodiversity are just some of the benefits of fostering a pollinator-friendly environment.

Besides, it’s an absolute pleasure to see a dainty butterfly or native bee flying around from flower to flower.

Choosing the Right Lilly Pilly Variety for Pollinator Support

When selecting Lilly Pilly cultivars to attract pollinators, consider varieties known for their pollinator appeal. Look for specific traits such as abundant flowers, accessible nectar sources, and a long blooming period to support pollinators throughout the seasons.

STRAIGHT AND NARROW™ Syzygium australe ‘SAN01’ PBR

• Description: A very slender, semi-compact, and dense plant with tight, attractive leaves and white flowers that transition into beautiful pink/red fruit.
• Size: 5-8m high x 1-1.5m wide, prunable down to 2m.
• Planting Density: 1 plant per m², 1-1.5 plants per linear metre.
• Uses: Ideal for constricted planting areas along fences, driveways, and topiary.
• Position: Full sun to shade, suitable for moist, well-drained soil types, tolerating cold and dry conditions.
• Care: Water as needed for 8-13 weeks until established, mulch well, apply slow-release fertiliser in spring, prune twice yearly for a tidy hedge.
• Psyllid Resistance: Naturally resistant to psyllid pests.

See more: STRAIGHT AND NARROW™ Syzygium australe ‘SAN01’ PBR

PINNACLE™ Syzygium australe ‘AATS’ PBR

• Description: A very narrow-growing native tree perfect for screening.
• Size: Tall and narrow, ideal for tight spaces where vertical growth is desired. 6-10m high x 1-1.5m wide.
• Uses: Ideal for creating privacy screens or hedges.
• Position: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Care: Regular watering until established, suitable for pruning to maintain desired height and shape.
• This cultivar is slightly larger than Straight and Narrow Syzygium, but it’s more susceptible to psyllids.

See more: PINNACLE™ Syzygium australe ‘AATS’ PBR

SUBLIME™ Acmena smithii  ‘DOW30’ PBR

• Description: A mid-sized tree with refreshing lime new growth and dense foliage to the ground.
• Size: Moderate height and spread, suitable for medium-sized gardens. 5m high x 2-3m wide
• Uses: Provides privacy and creates a lush green backdrop. Low mess with almost no berries produced after vigorous flowering.
• Position: Thrives in full sun to part shade, adaptable to various soil types.
• Care: Regular watering during establishment, occasional pruning to maintain shape.
• Myrtle Rust Resistance: Highly myrtle rust resistant.
• Psyllid Resistance: Extremely resistant to psyllid pests.

See more: SUBLIME™ Acmena smithii  ‘DOW30’ PBR

SWEEPER® Waterhousea floribunda ‘DOW20’ PBR

• Description: A heavily weeping tree with large clusters of white flowers in summer.
• Size: Can grow to a substantial height, suitable for larger gardens or open spaces. 10m high x 5-8m wide.
• Uses: Creates a dramatic focal point, ideal for adding vertical interest.
• Position: Requires full sun for optimal flowering, well-drained soil.
• Care: Adequate watering during establishment, periodic pruning to control size and shape.
• Myrtle Rust Resistance: Highly myrtle rust resistant.

See more: SWEEPER® Waterhousea floribunda ‘DOW20’ PBR

Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Garden with Lilly Pilly Plants

Designing a garden that welcomes and nurtures pollinators is a rewarding endeavour. Provide essential resources like water sources, such as bird baths, and create sheltered areas to protect fragile insects (like friendly micro wasps and butterflies) from strong winds.

Companion planting with species can fill pollination gaps across different seasons, ensuring a year-round supply of resources for active pollinators. Callistemons can help fill pollination gaps early in spring, meanwhile, correas flower during autumn and into winter, and grevilleas flower through winter into spring.

While most pollinators are more active during the warmer months, providing year-round resources will support pollinators still active in the cooler months, especially in warmer parts of the country.

Daniel’s Wrap

By selecting the right plant varieties, such as lilly pillies, gardeners can create vibrant, biodiverse landscapes that thrive with life and beauty. Embrace the role of pollinators in your garden and witness the transformation as these essential creatures enhance the health and vibrancy of your outdoor space.

Image Attribution: 1