Billardiera longiflora
purple apple berry
A twining evergreen perennial to 2m, with lance-shaped, dark green leaves and solitary, bell-shaped, yellow-green or purple-tinged flowers 3cm in length, followed by vivid violet berries 2.5cm in length
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | Purple | ||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Pittosporaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Genus
Billardiera are twining evergreen climbing perennials with simple, alternate leaves and solitary or clustered, bell-shaped flowers, followed by brightly coloured berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Tasmania, SE Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in peat-free compost, in full light with shade from hot sun. During growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Maintain low to moderate humidity. Can be grown outdoors in frost-free areas in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Apply a dry winter mulch. Provide support for climbing stems
Propagation
Propagate by seed as soon as ripe at 13 to 15°C in autumn. Layering in spring or strike softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 11, trim after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite.
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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