Sollya heterophylla Alba

The Sollya heterophylla 'Alba' is a delicious little Australian vine, which sometimes behaves like a wild bush, and its cultivation in open ground should be reserved for milder climates. Half woody, half herbaceous, it sends its voluble stems through neighbouring plants, crawls on the ground or rounds nicely above low walls. This 'Alba' variety bears small white bells during a long summer period, even until October if weather permits. Easy to grow in any well-drained soil, it will bring an exotic touch to any support available, in the garden or on the terrace.

The Sollya heterophylla is a flexible plant with woody base and herbaceous growth, belonging to the pittosporaceae family, just like the Pittosporum to which it bears no resemblance. It is native to Western Australia, Tasmania and the state of Victoria, located in southeastern Australia, and has occasionally naturalised on the French Riviera, as it readily self-seeds. It can withstand short periods of frost, down to -5°C (23°F). Fast-growing, this plant with climbing, bushy or spreading habit, produces voluble stems that can reach 1.50m (5ft) to 2m (7ft) in our climates, with a spread of 1m (3ft). On its slender stems it develops evergreen foliage, medium green in colour, glossy, with a light and vibrant green underside. Its leaves, 4 to 5cm (2in) long, are entire, ovate or lanceolate in shape, with a pointed tip. Flowering occurs from June to September, or from July to October, depending on the climate. It takes the form of small campanulate flowers, 1 to 2cm (0 to 1in) long, composed of 5 white petals. They are gathered in loose terminal clusters, called cymes, in groups of 4 to 8, and are followed by the formation of ripe blue-black berries, edible, 2 to 3cm (1in) long. The seeds germinate easily in light soil.

The Sollya heterophylla is an original, exotic plant, but undemanding and easy to grow in mild climates or by the sea. In the garden, it is appreciated for its exuberance, graceful growth, beautiful foliage, and long flowering that blends with the foliage and flowers of its neighbours. It adapts to all soils that are not too dry and requires very little maintenance, only fearing heavy frosts. In open ground, when not guided on a support, it can form a beautiful bushy mass above a low wall or near the terrace. The 'Alba' variety will naturally blend with the species whose small bells are sky blue. It can be associated with climbing asarina, perennial and annual sweet peas, or ipomoeas, all of these plants will quickly decorate a small trellis or arch. It also grows very well in a large pot, which can be stored in the conservatory or greenhouse during winter.