Australian blue apple (Billardiera longiflora), edible fruit: planting, maintenance

The Australian blue apple (Pillardira longiflora) is a double perennial plant native to Australia that grows on thorns and forest edges. Its hardness allows it to resist at -5 to -7 degrees Celsius: it loses its leaves at -2 degrees Celsius, but if the cold is moderate the stump will start again. Also, after the fire, the Australian blue apple will reappear.

This flag, with its thin and stiff stalks, rolls in support provided for it. Its small evergreen leaves, 2 to 5 cm long, alternate, entirely linear to lanceolate, dark green, are toxic due to the presence of saponin.

In annual shoots, individual flowers bloom in a short time, they are elongated (hence the name of the species Elongated plants), 2 to 3 cm long, pendulum, 5 compound light green petals.

The fruits make up all the attraction of this plant: they are elliptical to ovoid to 2 cm long, its color is dark purple. These succulent fruits have a slightly dry texture, are not juicy, but are eaten raw or mostly cooked, for their apple flavor.

• Family: Phytosporosis
• Type: Perennial evergreen
• Origin: Australia
• Color: Green-white flower, purple-blue fruit
• Sowing: Yes
• Cutting: Yes
• Planting: Spring
• Flowering: May to July
• Height: up to 3 m

Soil and expression suitable for Australian blue apple

Pillardira longiflora Grows in neutral or acidic, humus-rich, cool and well-drained soil, in a safe place, in sun or partial shade. Areas with temperate climates in winter (Brittany, Atlantic coast) are best suited for this flag.

Date of sowing, pruning and planting of Pillardira longiflora

You will sow the seeds in spring or autumn Pillardira longiflora13-15 degrees Celsius.

Herbal cuttings are tried in June, but if you wait until August, you will make half wood cuttings.

The plant is more likely to be planted in the spring as it is replanted if the vine is in the pot.

Australian Blue Apple Care and Growing Tips

From spring to autumn, during its growth, in winter, when watering is at high intervals, make sure to water regularly. She does not like very dry environment.

Pruning is done after flowering.

In colder climates, the pot will benefit from being returned to the greenhouse or veranda to a place where there is no frost.

Diseases, pests and parasites of the Australian blue apple

The Australian blue apple is not afraid of diseases or insect attacks.

Location and favorable correlation of Pillardira longiflora

It is a plant that is trellised at the base of a pergola, on a fence, on an old dead tree, or on a wall.

Recommended Species for Garden Planting and Billardiera Varieties

Type Billiards There are 8 species in total but the Australian blue apple (Pillardira longiflora) Some of its most commonly encountered, red-fruited cultivars (Fillardira longiflora ‘Red Berry’), With white fruits (Fillardiora longiflora ‘Fruited Albo’), With purple-pink fruits (Fillardira longiflora ‘Cherry Berry’) …

Pillardierra Scandens Another species with olive green berries, sometimes with red.

(Photo credit: Wendy Cutler – CC BY-SA 2.0)