Sweet Appleberry

Sweet Appleberry (Billardiera cymosa) is a light, scrambling native climber that grows 1m to 3m high and 1m to 2m wide. Pale blue purple or white bell flowers appear in spring and summer, followed by small oval berries that ripen from green to purple. It is one of the few plants that grows happily under trees, using the trunks as a climbing frame.

Why you'll love it

• Grows under trees. It thrives in dappled shade and snuggles up to tree trunks, even under gum trees, where most plants struggle.
• Cloud coloured bells. Pale blue purple or white bell flowers open in spring and summer, hanging lightly among the leaves.
• Bush tucker berries. The small fruits ripen from green to purple and look like a miniature kiwi fruit, with a flavour said to be aniseed.
• A lightweight climber. It rambles through shrubs and over supports without smothering them.
• Flexible habit. Grown without support, it behaves as an informal shrub.

Where it works best

Under established trees. Plant 1.5m apart around the base of trunks, where it will climb into the lower branches. Mulch well and water it through the first summer.

Cottage and native woodland gardens. Weave it among bigger shrubs, where its habit is similar to hardenbergia, for an informal, bush style look.

Bush tucker plantings. Add it to an edible native garden alongside other food plants for a small crop of unusual berries.

Growing Sweet Appleberry in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled shade is best. It originates along the southern coast from Adelaide to Melbourne, so cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens suit it. It tolerates frost once established, and in the coldest regions it appreciates the shelter of trees.

Soil. Moist soil, acid or alkaline. Keep the roots cool with a generous layer of mulch.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well until established, usually about 12 weeks. Reapply the mulch and, if needed, feed with a slow release native fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to encourage a dense habit and more flowers next season.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Sweet Appleberry as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant with thin stems that need something to climb, so plant it beside a trunk, trellis or shrub. Plant soon after delivery and mulch well.

Our grower raises the tube stock and does not always have plants ready. If the tube reads sold out, use the notify button on this page and we will email you the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More climbers
• Hardenbergia, a native climber with a similar habit
• Edible plants and bush tucker
• Bush tucker plants for the home garden

Common questions

Can I eat the berries?

They are bush tucker, small oval fruits that ripen from green to purple and are said to taste of aniseed. Taste one before you plan a harvest.

Does it need a trellis?

Not necessarily. It climbs tree trunks, shrubs and fences, and without support it grows as an informal shrub.

What light does it prefer?

Dappled shade and moist soil. The light under open trees is ideal.