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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Bluebell Creeper is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Bluebell Creeper with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.