pronounced: siz-ZY-ghee-um kass-KADE
Syzygium comes from the Greek συζυγιος (syzygios), joined, referring to the paired leaves. ‘Cascade’ is a popular new hybrid from S. luehmannii X S. wilsonii ssp. wilsonii.
The leaves, though rather larger, closely mirror the colours of its parent Syzygium luehmannii, with a pinkish to deep maroon new growth. It has the weeping tendency of its other parent, and its fruits are pink – midway between the red berries of S. luehmannii and the white berries of S. wilsonii ssp. wilsonii.
Given space to grow freely, this is a rounded, bushy, large shrub with weeping foliage, and non-invasive roots. It is a vigorous and hardy plant. The flowers are light pink, golden tipped pom-poms, forming at the ends of the drooping branches. The flowers and fruits grow in clusters.
This makes an ideal feature, hedge or screen plant, and may also be grown as a tub specimen; but be prepared for it to grow considerably taller than the height of 2 – 3 m usually given on nursery labels, as it often grows up to 6 m tall. It can be used as a topiary plant, or can be crown-lifted to become a small tree, and is attractive to honey-eaters. It prefers an open sunny position, and will grow more densely in full sun than in a shady or partly-shady position. It is not very salt-tolerant, and should not be grown too close to the sea.
As with most lilly-pillies, the berries can be used for jam-making. They have a delicate clove-like flavour, not as intense a flavour as the fruits of either of its parents.
It may be pruned lightly after fruiting to shape the plant, and to encourage the colourful new growth. Cascade is less likely to be affected by black sooty mould than Syzygium wilsonii ssp. wilsonii.