Sollya heterophylla - Billardiera heterophylla

The Sollya heterophylla is a delightful little Australian vine, which sometimes behaves like a tousled bush. Its cultivation in open ground should be reserved for the mildest climates, although it can withstand short periods of frost, down to -5°C (23°F). Half woody, half herbaceous, it sends out its voluble stems up to 1.50m (5ft) to 2m (7ft), bearing at their tips small bright sky blue bells throughout the summer. Easy to grow in any well-drained soil, it will add an exotic touch to any support provided for it, in the garden or on the terrace.

The Sollya heterophylla is a flexible plant with a woody base and herbaceous growth belonging to the pittosporaceae family, just like the Pittosporum to which it bears no resemblance at all. It is native to Western Australia, Tasmania and the state of Victoria, located in the southeast of Australia, and has occasionally naturalised on the French Riviera, as it readily self-seeds. With rapid growth, this plant with a climbing, bushy or spreading habit, depending on its use, produces voluble stems that can reach 1.50m (5ft) to 1.80m (6ft) in our climates, with a spread of 1m (3ft). On its slender stems, evergreen, medium green leaves develop, with a light green underside. Its leaves, 4 to 5cm (2in) in size, are entire, ovate or lanceolate in shape. Flowering takes place from June to September, in the form of small campanulate flowers, 1 to 2cm (0 to 1in) long, light blue in colour. They are gathered in terminal cymes, in groups of 4 to 8, and are followed by the formation of edible dark blue berries, 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 will be appreciated for its exuberance, its lovely foliage and its long celestial blue 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 wall or near the terrace. It can be associated with climbing asarinas, or with perennial and annual sweet peas, 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.