Bluebell Creeper Sollya heterophylla
ABOUT
Commonly known as the bluebell creeper, this plant boasts an evergreen and twining habit. It's adorned with small, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are arranged neatly along its slender stems. These leaves may remind one of a delicate version common to boxwood with their dense and lush appearance. The bluebell creeper is celebrated for its spectacular floral display which consists of tubular, bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms are a rich, captivating blue or sometimes a variation with a hint of purple, adding a splash of vibrant color to any garden setting. The flowers are often clustered together, creating a showy and appealing effect that can attract a variety of pollinators. Following the flowering season, the plant may produce small, inedible fruits which might attract birds or other wildlife. With its graceful form and enchanting blooms, the bluebell creeper makes for a charming addition to trellises, walls, or as a ground cover, offering a picturesque quality to the landscapes it graces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pittosporaceae.
Synonyms
Bluebell Creeper, Australian Bluebell Creeper, Bluebell Fuchsia.
Common names
Billardiera heterophylla
ToxicityTo humans
The Bluebell Creeper is not widely recognized as a poisonous plant to humans. There is limited information suggesting it poses significant health risks upon ingestion. However, with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities can occur, so it is advised to avoid eating or handling plants unless they are known to be safe.
To pets
Bluebell Creeper isn't typically listed as a toxic plant to pets. While it's always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not intended for consumption due to the potential for individual reactions or gastrointestinal upset, there's no specific documentation of toxicity for this plant regarding common pets like dogs and cats. Owners should still monitor their pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants, as even non-toxic plants can cause mild digestive issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Sollya heterophylla, commonly known as Bluebell Creeper, produces abundant, blue, bell-shaped flowers that add a splash of color to gardens.
- Evergreen Foliage: It retains its glossy, green leaves throughout the year, providing continuous visual interest.
- Wildlife Support: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Size Control: As a compact plant, it is suitable for small gardens or spaces where size mitigation is important.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, including as a climbing plant, in hanging baskets, or as ground cover.
- Low Maintenance: Bluebell Creeper requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite resilient to dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Hardiness: It is relatively frost-hardy, suitable for a range of climates and weather conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sollya heterophylla, commonly known as the Bluebell creeper, can be used in floral arrangements as its delicate blue flowers add a splash of color and can last for several days when cut.
- The vine-like growth habit of Bluebell creeper makes it suitable for covering unsightly fences or walls, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing screen.
- Its dense foliage can provide a nesting habitat for small birds, offering shelter and some protection from predators.
- Bluebell creeper can be trained to grow over arbors and pergolas to create natural, living shade structures in gardens.
- When planted in containers, the plant adds a trailing element to mixed plantings, spilling over the edges with its foliage and flowers.
- In craft projects, the woody stems of Bluebell creeper can be used as natural elements in wreaths and other decorative items.
- Its ability to bind soil with its roots makes it useful for controlling erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Dried Sollya heterophylla flowers can be used in potpourris, providing a subtle, natural fragrance and adding color to the mix.
- In landscape design, Bluebell creeper can serve as a ground cover in areas where it is appropriate to have low-maintenance, spreading plants.
- As a companion plant in the garden, Bluebell creeper can provide visual interest with its contrasting flower color when paired with plants having yellow or white blooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bluebell Creeper is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bluebell Creeper is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: The delicate flowers of the Bluebell Creeper often symbolize purity and innocence, similar to many other dainty, blue-hued flowers.
- Everlasting Love: Bluebell Creeper's perennial nature and its climbing growth habit represent enduring affection and the interconnectedness in relationships.
- Constancy: As a persistent and resilient plant, the Bluebell Creeper can symbolize steadiness and reliability in various cultural contexts.
- Humility: The small and unassuming nature of its flowers is often associated with humbleness and simplicity in the plant symbolism realm.
WaterThe Bluebell Creeper should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, watering once every week during active growth periods in spring and summer is sufficient. During the winter months, reduce watering to every two to three weeks. Give the plant about 16 ounces of water per watering session if it's in a smaller pot, but larger plants might require up to half a gallon to ensure the soil is evenly moistened. Adjust the amount based on the size of the pot and the plant's environment.
LightBluebell Creeper prefers bright, indirect light or dappled sunlight. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive this type of light throughout the day. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight as it can cause the foliage to burn, but make sure the plant gets enough light to maintain healthy growth. A position near a window with filtered sunlight or a lightly shaded patio is ideal.
TemperatureBluebell Creeper thrives best in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive temporary dips down to 40°F, but should not be exposed to frost as it is not frost-tolerant. Ideal growing conditions include a consistent, moderate climate without extreme temperature fluctuations.
PruningPrune the Bluebell Creeper to maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth. Pruning is best done after the plant has flowered, usually in late summer or early fall. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed, and cut back up to one third of the plant's length to promote healthy, bushy growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBluebell Creeper thrives in well-draining, sandy to loamy soil with slight acidity to neutral pH, ideally ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts peat-free potting compost with one part coarse sand or perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. Organic matter like compost can be added to enrich the soil.
RepottingBluebell Creeper should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one to give the roots room to grow without being overly spacious, which can lead to waterlogging.
Humidity & MistingBluebell Creeper prefers moderate humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level between 40-50% for optimal growth. Avoid placing the plant in overly dry environments, as this can cause the leaves to dry out.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Bluebell Creeper in bright, indirect light, with moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Bluebell Creeper in partial shade; protect from strong winds and frost.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleBluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) typically starts its life cycle when a seed germinates in warm, moist soil conditions, often in spring. The germination leads to the development of a root system and a shoot that will grow into a young plant, displaying its characteristic glossy green leaves. As it matures, the plant enters a vegetative stage, during which it grows vigorously and can be trained on supports, given its climbing habit. Bluebell Creeper then enters the flowering stage, likely in the summer, producing clusters of bell-shaped, vibrant blue flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, inedible brown fruits, which contain seeds that can be dispersed to propagate the next generation. Once established, Sollya heterophylla can live for many years, continually cycling through seasonal growth, flowering, and seed production stages.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Sollya heterophylla, commonly known as bluebell creeper, is from semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer. To do this, select healthy shoot tips around 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length, ensuring each cutting has a few leaves. Strip the lower leaves to expose a clean section of stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root growth. Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium and cover with a plastic bag or propagate in a greenhouse to maintain high humidity. Keep the pot in a warm spot with indirect light until roots develop, which can take several weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be potted up individually and grown on until they are ready to be planted out.
