The Complete Guide To Spacing Your Lilly Pilly Plants

Correct spacing is one of the most important factors in achieving a dense, long-lasting, Lilly Pilly hedge. Spacing directly affects how individual plants compete for light, root space and nutrients which in turn determines whether a hedge grows as a gap and hole free screen or a row of separate hedge plants.

Spacing For Smaller Grades (Up to 1.5m Tall)

Smaller Lilly Pilly plants, typically supplied up to 1.5 metres in height, should be planted at 500mm spacings. No exceptions.

At this distance the plants are close enough to compete for space and light from an early stage.

This competition encourages:

Stronger outward growth

Increased lateral branching

Faster closure of gaps between plants

When planted at 500mm centres, smaller Lilly Pilly hedge plants are naturally guided to grow as a single hedge system rather than developing into individual, self-contained plants.

Spacing For Larger Grades (Around 2m Tall And 25L – 45L Bag Size)

These plants already have a more established root structure and canopy.

The additional spacing allows:

Room for the root systems to settle without shock

Reduced transplant stress

Controlled competition that still promotes quick hedge formation

While the spacing is wider, the plants are still close enough to compete for light which encourages them to knit together into a continuous hedge rather than growing independently.

Why Competition Matters In Hedge Planting

Lilly Pilly hedges perform best when plants are planted close enough to feel each other’s presence. When spacing is too wide each plant receives unlimited light and space causing it to:

Grow straight up instead of filling gaps

Prioritise individual shape over hedge density

Take significantly longer to form an effective screen

Correct spacing ensures the plants work together in producing a thicker, healthier hedge structure over time.