Billardiera heterophylla

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Other common names

Australian bluebell creeper

Synonyms

Sollya heterophylla

Climber Wall Shrub Conservatory Greenhouse
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An evergreen climber to 1.8m, with narrowly lance-shaped green leaves and nodding clusters of blue flowers 1.5cm across, followed by cylindrical purple berries 2.5cm in length

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pittosporaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
W 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, sown at 10-16°C in spring, or strike softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. See propagate from cuttings (climbers) for further advice

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 12 in late winter or early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free