Would Lilly Pillys struggle growing with other plants?

[rosey55]

Hi just asking for a college about his struggling lilly Pillys, could lilly pillies struggle if they are growing with larger plants?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @rosey55, 

Yes, Lilly Pillies can definitely struggle if they’re planted alongside larger, more established plants. One of the main reasons is light competition—larger plants with a dense canopy can overshadow the Lilly Pillies, limiting the amount of sunlight they receive. Since Lilly Pillies typically prefer full sun to part shade, a lack of adequate light can lead to poor growth, sparse foliage, or increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

In addition to light, there's also competition below the surface. Larger plants often have well-established root systems that can dominate the surrounding soil, taking up most of the available water and nutrients. This leaves little for the younger or smaller Lilly Pillies, which can lead to signs of stress such as yellowing leaves, leaf drop, or stunted growth.

If the surrounding plants are vigorous growers, it might help to increase feeding and watering for the Lilly Pillies to give them a better chance. Also consider selectively pruning nearby plants to allow more light through or, if possible, creating a buffer zone so the Lilly Pillies have a bit of space to establish themselves without having to compete so heavily.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[AlanM52]

As mentioned by team MitchellMc they are very sensitive to (lack of) light.

Here are our lovely Lilly Pillies purchased from Bunnings Scoresby in 2010.

This is our only 'plant pair' that have survived together for 15 years and I feel good every time I walk through them.

We are looking west and the sun is traversing over my right shoulder, note how the right one is struggling to keep up with it's sibling due to the shrub on the right which is only about the height of our Bunnings 3 x 3M gazebo.

Cheers