Blue Bell Creeper
By Deborah Light-Pacheco UCCE Master Gardener
Common name of plant: Australian bluebell creeper
Scientific name: Sollya heterophylla (S. Fusiformis) or Billardiera heterophylla
Planting area: Sunset zones 8, 9, 14-24, H1, H2
Size: 2-3 feet high, 4-5 feet wide; train to climb 6-8 feet
Bloom Season: Summer
Exposure: Part shade in hot climates
Pruning needs: Regular pruning to encourage dense growth
Water needs: Low to moderate
Snapshot: The Australian bluebell creeper is native to Australia and has been selected as a UC Davis Arboretum All-Star plant. This an evergreen shrub which can be trained as a vine with added support. The leaves are delicate, glossy green and narrow. The blue bell creeper produces small bell-shaped flowers primarily in blues, but some produce white or pink depending on the variety. Variety, “S. h. parviflora” is best for vining and produces smaller, darker blue flowers. This plant may be used as ground cover, along boarders, or in containers.
Blue bell creepers are drought tolerant but do well with some additional irrigation if planted in well-draining soil. Well-draining soil is a must. Added mulch will help maintain adequate soil moisture and will also protect this Australian native from light frost. Prune regularly to maintain thick lush growth or a vining habit.
Propagation is done with soft wood cuttings or seeds. The flowers turn to berries with lots of seeds which will self-sow if left alone. Monitor reseeding to manage the spread of this creeping plant in your landscape.
Try this All-Star plant in your garden next spring!
Advice to Grow By Workshops
Our next workshop will be May 20th, 2023, at 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. in our Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden at 2154 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. The topic will be “Gardening for Birds and Butterflies with native plants.”. Learn how to provide for birds and butterflies in your home landscaping. Tips on choosing waterwise plants which provide nectar, pollen and berries. Visit our website to register. The workshop is free and open to the public. Docents will be available after the workshop until 1:00 pm. If inclement weather, the workshop will be cancelled.
Other ways to see or reach us:
You can view workshops on Instagram live at slo mg or visit our You Tube channel at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners.”
Visit our website at ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/ or email questions to anrmgslo@ucanr.edu.
UCCE Master Gardener Helpline offices:
San Luis Obispo: 805-781-5939 (Monday and Thursday 1:00 to 5:00)
Arroyo Grande: 805-473-7190 (10:00 to 12:00)
Templeton: 805-434-4105 (Wednesday 9:00 to 12:00)