How early to start tip pruning lily pillies?

[GardenHelp1]

I've just bought a few 200mm pots of lily pilly "Winter Lights" from Bunnings to form a privacy screen. I'm going to plant them this week, but how soon should I start tip pruning to get them nice and bushy please?

[JacobZ]

Hi @GardenHelp1,

Thank you for reaching out for advice about pruning your lily pillies.

After planting, I'd suggest you give them about 2–4 weeks to establish and recover from transplant stress. Once you see fresh shoots or new leaves, that’s your cue to start light tip pruning. 

Simply pinch or snip off the soft tips (around 2–5 cm) of each stem. This encourages the plant to branch out from below the cut, leading to a fuller, bushier shape. Continue tip pruning every couple of months through the growing season (spring to early autumn). Avoid heavy pruning in the first year; gentle, regular trimming is best to build density gradually. 

Also, feed with a slow-release native fertiliser like this Scotts Osmocote Native Controlled Release Fertiliser after pruning to support new growth.

You might like to check out How To Grow And Care For A Lilly Pilly and How To Maintain Healthy Lilly Pillies for some further guidance.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[GardenHelp1]

That's great, thanks Jacob!

[AlanM52]

Hi @GardenHelp1,

Thought you might like to see our pair which forms part of the transition to lower backyard.

Planted May 2010.

Pruning earlier this year.

Cheers

[GardenHelp1]

Those look great! I hope mine will grow as nice and bushy before long too!