Syzygium paniculatum

Sunset

Syzygium paniculatum

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Zones 16, 17, 20-25, H1, H2

Full, Partial

Moderate

Brush cherry, Australian brush cherry
Myrtaceae
Evergreen, Edible fruit, Shrubs, Trees

If unclipped, makes a single- or multitrunked tree to 30–60 ft. tall, 10–20 ft. wide, with a dense crown of foliage. But this is often sheared into formal shapes and hedges, making a common background or screen plant. Oblong, 1/2 –3-in.-long leaves come in rich glossy green, often tinged with bronze; new growth is reddish bronze. Small, creamy white summer flowers have conspicuous tufts of stamens that look like little brushes. Blossoms are followed by showy, edible, 3/4-in., rosy purple fruit that is insipid raw but good in jellies. Several named varieties selected for good leaf color or dwarf form are sold.