| Hi Sir Joh (!), The Burkes Backyard site lists your lillypilly as being prone to psyllid attack: Syzygium australe 'Bush Christmas' (psyllid prone) I have several varieties of Syzygium Australe, but the only psyllids I have had were on my Waterhousea Floribunda (aka the 'Weeping Lillypilly'). They are reasonably easy to control (sprayed once, psyllids went elsewhere), and dont do any real damage to the plant : more an aesthetic nuisance than anything else. You mention that you are giving it 'heaps' of food and water : not always a good idea with natives, even lillipillies. I find mine actually thrive on a little hardship, although they arent in pots. Check the soil to a depth of about 10cm - if it seems wet, check your drainage at the bottom of the pot. I know that pots, particularly terracotta, require regular watering, but you should vary the duration and amount according to the amount of heat and wind the plant is subjected to. I normally only water my lillipilles once a week, and the more established plants have reached the stage that I could lengthen this to once per fortnight when the weather cools down (somewhere around July in CQ ...). My other advice is to remove the Duranta (Sheenas Gold) and replace it with native(s). I have an Aussie Copper which was dwarfed by a nearby Duranta : removing the latter has seen the lillypilly really come into its own. Duranta, in my opinion, is a weed - other board member may disagree. Ultimately, its your choice. Good luck, Artie |
