Muehlenbeckia

( mew - len - BEK - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Muehlenbeckia, commonly called Maidenhair or Wire Vine, is a genus of evergreen shrubs and vines that need full sun to partial shade and regular water to perform well. They are native to New Zealand and form creeping, sprawling carpets of small leaves. Use these evergreens as groundcovers, in mixed beds and borders, to spill over walls and containers, in hanging baskets, or as specimen plants in the ground or in pots on patios or walkways.

Muehlenbeckia Species and Varietals

The genus Muehlenbeckia is a member of the plant family Polygonaceae, and includes 24 distinct species. The best growing zones for Wire Vine vary depending on the species. For more information, consult the descriptions below, To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Muehlenbeckia adpressa (Climbing Lignum)
These prostrate or climbing plants are native to Australia and have thin red to brown stems that reach over three feet long. Foliage is rounded and green, and flowers are greenish-cream colored and bloom in spring and summertime.

Muehlenbeckia astonii (Shrubby Tororaro, Wiggy-Wig Bush, Zig-Zag Plant, Wirebrush, Shrubby Pohuehue, Mingimingi)
Endemic to New Zealand, these shrubs have distinctive tiny heart-shaped leaves held on wiry interlocking and crossing branches. The species is considered endangered due to habitat destruction and climate change.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Muehlenbeckia nana) (Creeping Wire Vine, Sprawling Wire Vine)
This species is considered a low shrub and grows best in zones 3-9, 14-24 and H1. It is a small, dense plant with a creeping habit (hence its common name) and can mound to be a foot tall or kept at a height of just a few inches. Evergreen leaves are glossy and dark green and it produces small white fruits with black seeds. It is deciduous where there is a definitive winter chill, and can be mowed to keep it flat. Great for rock gardens or as a small scale groundcover (when spaced about 2 feet apart).

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Mattress Vine, Wire Vine, Pohuehue, Mattress Plant, Lacy Wire Vine, Angel Vine, Necklace Vine)
This species of Wire Vine is a true vine, twining to 20-30 feet or more. It will grow on structures, or can be used as a groundcover. It is best in zones 8, 9 and 14-24, forming a large mass of brown to black stems. Leaves are light green. Great as a screening plant. Shear or cut back when desired; this plant will regrow vigorously.

Muehlenbeckia platyclada (Homalocladium platycladum) (Centipede Plant, Tapeworm Plant, Ribbonbush)
These plants are native to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and have naturalized in other areas in the Middle East, South America, and Africa. The species forms an evergreen shrub with jointed, green stems and arrow-shaped leaves. Flowers are tiny and white to light pink, blooming from early to late springtime.

Caring for Muehlenbeckia

Plant these deciduous or evergreen shrubs in a spot that receives full sun to light shade. They should ideally be receiving between 4 and 6 hours of direct light each day, and will produce the best foliage the more sun they get. Some afternoon protection from sun is needed in particularly hot areas to avoid over-stressing the plant or foliage sunburn. They prefer well-draining soil with a pH of between 6.1 and 7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). If local soils are compacted, do not drain well, or are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or compost before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installation, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature.

Keep the soil moist while plants establish a strong root system; mature plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, but they do appreciate consistent moisture during the growth and flowering season. Foliage can be trimmed back at any time of the year to control growth and remove dead, damaged and diseased stems and leaves. Doing so will keep the plant at its healthiest form. Pinch young plants to encourage a bushy habit to form. Fertilize plants yearly for the best show of blooms with a dressing of organic compost applied around the base. Work the compost into the soil a bit, and then replace the mulch around the base.

Propagation

Although these vines can be propagated through both cuttings and seed, the cutting method is suggested because growing Muehlenbeckia through seeds can be a difficult, slow and unpredictable process. To propagate your vine using cuttings, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Muehlenbeckia by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Problems and Pests

These plants spread via rhizome and have the capacity to overwhelm neighboring plants. They are considered to be invasive in some areas, so make sure to check with local authorities before purchasing and planting. 

Muehlenbeckia plants can be susceptible to the following pests and diseases:
  • Root Rot
For more information on these, and other common garden pests and diseases, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Here, Wire Vine is planted under Heuchera in a partial-shade potted creation.
These vines grow from spreading roots, and can take over beds and other plants.
Wire Vine does well in between stepping stones, or as small-space groundcover.
Fantastic in rock gardens, these low-maintenance plants can be mowed, cut back hard, or left to their own devices.
Here, Muehlenbeckia has been trained onto a fence and arbor to create a green wall.
Muehlenbeckia can be used as topiaries.

Videos

Learn about these vines.
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Resources

How to Grow and Care for Muehlenbeckia
Wikipedia: Muehlenbeckia
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 446, Muehlenbeckia
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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