How to grow Riberry in Australia
A native lilly pilly that likes full sun to part shade in moist, well drained soil rich in organic matter. Water regularly while establishing and mulch to keep roots cool.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 8 litres a week, watered every 4 days
- Spacing: 400 cm
- Time to harvest: 730 days (about 2 years)
- Time to germinate: 30 days
- Soil pH: 5 to 6.5
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | All year | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | All year | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | All year | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | September to March | Plant Sep to Mar. A common Melbourne lilly pilly hedge that takes light frost once established; protect young plants in frosty outer suburbs. |
| Adelaide & SA | September and October | Plant Sep to Oct after frost. Grows as a small tree or hedge in Adelaide with summer water; shield young plants from hot north winds. |
| Perth & WA | March to May, September and October | Plant in autumn with the first rains, or Sep to Oct. Lilly pillies hedge well in Perth with mulch and deep summer water. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. Subtropical rainforest lillypilly. Hard frost kills it. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Not reliable. Subtropical lilly pilly damaged below minus 5C. Sheltered courtyard pot only. |
| North Queensland | All year | |
| Darwin & Top End | September to March | Plant Sep to Mar so the rains establish it. A rainforest lilly pilly, so it needs regular water through the dry. |
Varieties
- Riberry (Small Leaf)
- Riberry (Standard)
Companion planting
Good companions
- Native plants
- Finger lime
- Lemon myrtle
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Ripe when the small fruit turns bright pinkish red and pulls off with a gentle touch. Pick by hand in clusters; the plant fruits heavily over a long flush.
Storage
Fridge for 1 week. Freeze berries for months. Make into jam or syrup for longer storage.