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Why some of my Lilly Pilly are not growing?

I have planted more around 10 Lilly Pilly Backyard Bliss variety last year in Sept. The purpose was to establish a nice hedge using Lilly Pilly.

My question is related to the growth, they all are not equally responding to growth. Now i can expect some difference between them, but if you notice the middle ones are quite short whereas side one grew taller.

They all have been bought from a same place and planted between 2-3 days of a difference.

At the start of a spring i have applied yates slow release fertilizer. And have been giving seasol + powerfeed once a month.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @KhurramJamshed

Thank you for sharing such detailed information about your Lilly Pilly hedge. It’s great to hear that you’ve been so diligent with their care, including feeding and fertilizing. Uneven growth in hedges like yours can indeed happen, and while planting distance can sometimes play a role, there are a few other factors to consider before deciding whether to remove any plants.

Firstly, the middle ones might be shorter because they’re competing more intensely for light, water, or nutrients, especially if they are shaded by the taller plants on the sides. Lilly Pilly "Backyard Bliss" is hardy, but they do appreciate consistent access to sunlight and airflow. Consider pruning the taller ones slightly to give the smaller ones a chance to catch up. A pair of sharp hedge shears, such as those available at Bunnings, can help you shape the hedge evenly while encouraging new growth.

Additionally, if the middle plants appear crowded, you might gently loosen the soil around them to reduce compaction and improve root aeration. The store stocks garden forks and cultivators that would be perfect for this task. Be mindful of not disturbing their roots too much.

If you suspect spacing might be an issue, removing one or two of the more stunted plants could indeed help the others grow better. However, it’s a good idea to monitor them for a little longer before making that decision, especially since you’ve been feeding and caring for them consistently. Spring growth can be slower for some plants initially, and they might still catch up.

Lastly, mulching around the base of your plants with a product like sugarcane mulch from the store can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, giving all of your plants a fair chance to thrive. I’d also recommend keeping up with Seasol and PowerFeed, as they’re excellent for promoting root development and overall plant health. With a bit of patience and care, your hedge should fill out beautifully!

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

mich1972

Good morning @KhurramJamshed Your hedge looks great and healthy. I personally love the variety Backyard Bliss. Eric has given you great advice. May I ask as it’s hard to see, what’s on the soil ? Looks like white pebbles ? If so , maybe the water and nutrients are not reaching the root system enough. Just a thought.

KhurramJamshed

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/45200#Comment_45200

Hi @mich1972 , thanks for your reply.

yes these are white pebbles. but exactly to your concern, long time ago, i had moved them away from the plants root.

do you think its good enough not to have them just around the roots? or since they are covering surrounding areas would still be impacting the growth?

I also have a feeling that i might have waterlogging situation due to reason mentioned in this post: https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Garden/How-to-care-for-my-dying-lilly-pillies/td-p/147094

what could be the visible sign of waterlogging if there are any?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/84781#Comment_84781

Hello @KhurramJamshed

Waterlogging in your lilly pilly can show through symptoms like yellowing or browning leaves, wilting despite wet soil, and premature leaf drop. You may notice stunted growth or soft, mushy areas at the base of the stem, often accompanied by fungal growth or a foul smell if root rot has set in.

To address this, ensure the soil has good drainage and the plant isn’t sitting in water. Reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Aerate the soil gently to improve oxygen flow to the roots, and if necessary, repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil after trimming any rotten roots. Proper care and timely intervention can help your lilly pilly recover from waterlogging.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

KhurramJamshed

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/107462#Comment_107462

Please see attached, is it because of waterlogged bec here in Melb we had lot of rain in last few days.

I have also noticed that this symptom is mostly with the ones that are slow in growth.

Now to the solution, i can aerate easily. Also should i add compost to the soil, would that help?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/120983#Comment_120983

Hello @KhurramJamshed

Brown leaf tips on a lilly pilly plant can result from various factors. Inconsistent watering is a common cause, as lilly pillies thrive in consistently moist soil; irregular watering can lead to wilting, browning, or crispy leaves. Overwatering, on the other hand, may result in root rot, which prevents the roots from absorbing nutrients and moisture, causing the leaves to yellow and eventually die. Underwatering can also be an issue, with insufficient moisture leading to dry, brown, and falling leaves.

Additionally, sunburn can occur if the plant is exposed to excessive direct sunlight or extreme heat, leaving the leaves scorched or discoloured. Pests and mould are another threat, as they can weaken the plant and result in unhealthy foliage. Lastly, a nutrient deficiency may manifest as yellowing leaves, brown edges, or spots, signalling the need for proper fertilization. Recognizing and addressing these issues can help restore your plant’s health.

A good slow-release fertilizer for lilly pilly plants available at the store is Osmocote Native Gardens. This product is specifically formulated for Australian native plants, including lilly pillies, as it provides a balanced supply of nutrients without excessive phosphorus, which can harm certain natives. It releases nutrients gradually over several months, ensuring consistent feeding and promoting healthy growth.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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