A dainty Western Australian native twiner hung with nodding clusters of bright blue bell flowers through the warmer months, followed by blue berries. Pretty and hardy, but a weed risk outside its native range.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 2.5 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Bluebell Creeper
Billardiera heterophylla is a moderate-growing climber in the Pittosporaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 2.5 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Blue flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Bluebell Creeper
Bluebell Creeper suits warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Bluebell Creeper does best in sandy, loamy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Bluebell Creeper performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Bluebell Creeper after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Bluebell Creeper in the garden
Bluebell Creeper earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a fast screen or informal hedge, pots and courtyard containers and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate as Bluebell Creeper. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle. Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Bluebell Creeper
Plant Sale lists Bluebell Creeper as potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
