Description: Syzygium australe 'Baby Boomer', commonly known as Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly, is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its attractive foliage, prolific flowering, and suitability for hedges and borders. This cultivar is particularly valued for its smaller size and dense growth habit, making it an excellent choice for urban gardens and small landscapes.

Flowers:

• Blooms: The plant produces clusters of small, fluffy white flowers in spring to early summer. These blossoms are highly ornamental and attract pollinators.
• Fragrance: The flowers have a light, pleasant fragrance.

Foliage:

• Leaves: The leaves are glossy, dark green, and elliptical, providing a lush appearance year-round. New growth emerges with a reddish tint, adding seasonal interest.
• Seasonal Color: The foliage maintains its deep green color year-round, with new growth showing a bronzy-red hue.

Fruit:

• Fruit: Small, edible, red to pink berries develop after the flowering period, adding further ornamental interest. These berries are attractive to birds.

Form and Size:

• Size: Typically grows 1-2 meters tall and 0.5-1 meter wide, forming a compact, rounded shape.
• Habit: Upright and densely bushy, making it suitable for various landscape uses where space is limited.

Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Thrives in temperate to subtropical climates and is suitable for various regions in Australia. It can tolerate light frosts and coastal conditions.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soils but can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Sunlight: Best grown in full sun to partial shade to ensure robust growth and vibrant foliage color.
• Watering: Regular watering during the establishment phase is crucial. Once established, it benefits from consistent moisture but can tolerate some drought.

Uses:

• Ornamental Shrub: Highly valued as an ornamental shrub for its attractive foliage and prolific flowering.
• Hedges and Borders: Ideal for creating low hedges, borders, and foundation plantings due to its dense growth habit.
• Containers: Suitable for growing in containers, making it a versatile choice for patios and small gardens.
• Accent Plant: Can be used as an accent plant in larger landscapes or mixed borders.

Maintenance:

• Pruning: Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased wood. Light pruning encourages bushier growth and enhances the plant’s appearance.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage color.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to many pests and diseases. Monitor for psyllids, scale insects, and fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions.

Notes:

• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In cooler regions of Australia, provide protection from severe frost to prevent damage to new growth.
• Companion Plants: Pair with other Australian natives and evergreen shrubs, such as Westringia and Callistemon, to create a harmonious and visually appealing garden display.

Propagation: Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or by seed.

Syzygium australe 'Baby Boomer'

Common Name: Baby Boomer Lilly Pilly

Botanical Name: Syzygium australe 'Baby Boomer'

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin: Native to Australia

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