Lily pily as it is commonly referred to is an evergreen fast growing tree with dark green leaves, contrasting against the bronze/red of its new growth. Due to its rapid growth it is widely used as a hedge, screen, noise barrier or as a specimen in the garden. It also clips well so can be shaped to create a topiary.
Planting Calendar
Eugenia can be planted throughout the year but do better when planted in Spring and Autumn, giving them time to establish their roots before the heat of summer.
Prepare
Position
Eugenia can be grown in most positions from full sun to partial shade. They can either be planted in the ground or in containers.
Soil
When planted into the ground Eugenia likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Back fill the hole mixing in Kings Compost, Sheep Pellets, Saturaid and Kings 24 plus fertiliser into your soil, position the plant on top of some of the soil so that the top of the plants roots are level with the surrounding soil. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster. Stake plants with a wooden stakes to keep the main trunk straight. When growing in containers plant into Kings Container Mix.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting. Water in the hotter months well to ensure the water gets deep down to the roots of the plants and the soil is kept moist. A well watered plant is less likely to be attacked by pests. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive and your plants will thank you for it.
Feeding
Kings 24 Plus provides food for two years to give your hedge a strong start. Monthly applications of Sheep Pellets will keep your plants growing and help while conditioning the soil. Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, is a plant tonic and ensures strong healthy plants and roots, apply monthly to the foliage and root system.
Protecting
Being a member of the Myrtle family, Eugenia can be affected by Myrtle Rust, for advice on how to manage this either contact the Plant Doctor or a team member in store.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants, with Living Earth More Than Mulch, ensuring that the mulch is not up against the trunk. Mulching will reduce competition for nutrients from weeds, and help lock in moisture in the ground.
Spraying
Eugenia can be affected by psyllid insects causing blistering on the new leaves. Spray from the start of new growth with a systemic insecticide such as Groventive Garden in combination with Enspray 99 Oil. Repeated spraying monthly will be required to keep this pest under control.
Pruning
Shape or prune after each flush of new growth to create a dense, well-structured hedge,this is particularly important during the first few years.Use loppers to cut any larger branches, or hedge shears to get a nice finish and to trim the hedge back.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Expert Tip
When planting to create a hedge space plants 50cm apart.
Tip
When growing a hedge it is key to prune regularly after each flush of growth and not allow the plant to reach the required height before pruning. Regular pruning with ensure a thick dense hedge.
