Billardiera cymosa

Sweet Apple Berry

Botanical Name: Billardiera cymosa
Family: Pittosporaceae
Origin: South Australia and southern Australia (native to SA)
Plant Type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen twining shrub or scrambling climber

Overview

A graceful, hardy native climber or groundcover found naturally across South Australia, Billardiera cymosa (Sweet Apple Berry) is prized for its bell-shaped cream to purple flowers and edible purple fruits. It thrives in Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate, tolerating drought, limestone soils, and coastal conditions once established. Beautifully versatile, it can be grown as a light climber on trellises and fences, a weaving groundcover, or allowed to scramble through shrubs in native and cottage-style gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1–3 m H × 1.5–3 m W (can climb or sprawl depending on support)
• Growth Rate: 20–40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen; slender, mid-green leaves with a soft, fine texture
• Flowers: Cream, pale yellow or lilac bell-shaped blooms, usually from spring to early summer; followed by purple to blue edible berries
• Seasonal Interest: Delicate floral display in spring–summer followed by attractive coloured fruit; evergreen foliage provides year-round cover and texture
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and native pollinators, while fruits provide food for small birds and native fauna
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; Handles heat, dry winds, and poor soils common across SA; Second-line coastal tolerant (light salt exposure); Light frost hardy (protect in frost hollows of the Adelaide Hills)
• Planting Density: Groundcover: 2–3 plants per m²; Climber: 1–1.5 m apart along fences or supports
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs (edible berries safe for humans in moderation)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (flowers and fruit best in more sun; tolerates light shade)
• Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates limestone and low fertility typical of Adelaide plains
• Water Needs: Establishment: 1-2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance once established. Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape or contain growth. Can be trained as a small climber, or allowed to sprawl naturally. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years in suitable conditions; long-lived and self-sustaining in native-style gardens
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Mediterranean and temperate regions of South Australia, including Adelaide plains, Hills, Fleurieu, Yorke, and Eyre Peninsulas
• Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range — from slightly acidic to alkaline, including calcareous soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Native cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly landscapes
• Light climber for trellises, fences, or arbours
• Groundcover or natural weaver through low shrubs
• Edible native plantings (bush tucker gardens)
• Revegetation and low-maintenance habitat gardens

Why You Will Love It

With its delicate native flowers, edible fruits, and hardy, drought-tolerant nature, Billardiera cymosa is a perfect choice for Adelaide and South Australian gardens. It adds beauty, biodiversity, and resilience — flourishing where many exotic climbers fail.