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
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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, °Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
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 °Â±ð²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
- 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
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