About

Billardiera longiflora 'Fructu-albo' is a twining evergreen perennial that can reach heights of approximately 2 meters. It features lanceolate, dark green foliage and produces bell-shaped, yellow-green flowers that hang down in the summer months. Following the flowering period, the plant develops white, oval-oblong berries, each measuring about 2 centimeters in length.

About the genus

Billardiera consists of evergreen climbing perennials that twine as they grow. They feature simple, alternate leaves and produce either solitary or clustered flowers that are bell-shaped. After flowering, the plants bear berries that are brightly colored.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Plant type

Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

1-2 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants

Care notes

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

Pruning

Pruning group 11

Propagation

Sow seed at 13-15°C (55-59°F), ideally as soon as ripe in autumn, or in spring. Root softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, both in a propagating case. Propagate by layering in autumn or spring.

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite.

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free.