Billardiera scandens
apple berry
Overview
Billardiera scandens is an evergreen twining climber or scrambling shrub in the family Pittosporaceae, with slender stems 3-10 feet (1-3 m) long that twine through surrounding vegetation. Leaves are alternate, narrow and lance-shaped, 0.8-2.4 inches (2-6 cm) long and under 0.4 inch (10 mm) wide, with wavy margins, dull green above and softly hairy when young. Bell-shaped flowers hang singly on slender stalks from the leaf axils, 0.6-0.8 inch (15-20 mm) long, pale yellow-green, sometimes ageing to purplish. Flowering runs through spring and summer. The fruit is a cylindrical berry 0.6-1 inch (15-25 mm) long, green ripening to yellow-green and soft, with an apple-like scent and edible pulp. Growth is moderate, and the slender stems need support to climb, otherwise forming a low tangled mound. The species tolerates light shade and dry periods but produces fewer flowers in deep shade.
Native Range
Native to eastern and southern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria to South Australia and Tasmania. Grows in open forest, woodland, and heath, scrambling over shrubs and rocks in sandy to loamy soils from sea level to about 3,300 feet (1,000 m).Suggested Uses
Grown on trellises, fences, and through open shrubs in native and cottage gardens, and as a scrambling groundcover, spaced 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) apart. The edible berries suit bush-food and habitat plantings. Its twining habit can spread into nearby shrubs if left untrimmed.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dull greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade in well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Water through the first season to establish; established plants tolerate dry periods and flower less in deep shade. A trellis, shrub, or low fence supports the twining stems, which otherwise form a loose mound on the ground. Light trimming keeps growth tidy and within bounds. Few pests affect it, though aphids may cluster on soft new shoots.Pruning
Trim lightly after fruiting to control length and remove tangled or dead stems. The plant reshoots from older wood after cutting back. No routine pruning is needed for flowering.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons