Family: Pittosporaceae
Common Name: Bluebell Creeper

Both species of this genus of hardy shrubs or climbers are native to south-western Australia. The fresh, neat, bright green foliage and pretty, open, bell-shaped flowers make sollyas excellent garden or conservatory shrubs. They can be pnined to a compact bush or left to climb or cascade, in favorable conditions. They have a variety of uses, as flowering shrubs, cover for fences, stumps, trees and trellises, as hanging basket or pot plants, or as trailers for embankments.

Species

S. heterophylla, bluebell creeper, has neat, oval to lance-shaped leaves and pendulous clusters of bluebell-like flowers during spring and summer. The flowers are a clear, sky blue but may also be lavender-blue. Oval, fleshy, blue fruits develop after flowering.

Cultivation

Sollyas tolerate a wide range of conditions, including partial shade. Light, well-drained soil and a warm, protected position produce vigorous growth and long flowering periods. In frost-prone climates, grow in a cool greenhouse in pots of soil-based potting compost. Shade from direct strong sun. Propagate from seed in spring, germinated at 16°C (61°F) or from softwood cuttings in early summer.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 9.