The perennial Mühlenbeckia originally comes from Australia and New Zealand and grows hanging or climbing with support. The distinctive beauty usually tolerates our climate, in very harsh locations it can happen that the plant, also known as the wire shrub, freezes back. The Mühlenbeckia genus is often found as a houseplant. With filigree, dark shoots, all species are extremely decorative and versatile in growth. Without guidance, dense cushions form with a multitude of shoots and shiny leaflets. Find out in this article how you should care for the Mühlenbeckia.

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Botanical name: Mühlenbeckia axillaris
Other names: wire shrub, Mühlenbeckia, kiwi knotweed, carpet wire shrub, carpet mock knotweed, creeping wire, New Zealand ivy, mattress vine, black-fruited wire shrub
Use: houseplant, ground cover, autumn plant, structural plant, for containers, borders, balconies, terrace or grave planting, decorative plant in the house
Origin: New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand
Flower: inconspicuous, small, white
Berries: black, small, shiny
Leaves: shiny, dark green, round
Special features:In the mild wine-growing climate, the Mühlenbeckia axillaris can spread over many years outdoors. In climatically unfavorable locations, the structural plant can freeze back. The species known as white-fruited wire shrub (Mühlenbeckia complexa) is not hardy and should be overwintered frost-free.

At which location does the wire shrub feel most comfortable

Mühlenbeckia are popular green plants for the room. They are easy to shape and decorate the windowsill as a heart or pyramid for many weeks. Without cultivation work, the decorative plants grow as hanging plants in hanging baskets or in large containers. The brightest possible location in the room without direct heating air is important. An indoor fountain nearby to increase humidity is beneficial. Alternatively, regular spraying with low-lime water helps.The knotweed plant with the Mühlenbeckia axillaris species is very popular as an outdoor plant. Whether as a ground cover, for edging beds, in bowls and planters or in balcony boxes, the structural plant blends in perfectly. Well-drained soil in a sunny to partially shaded location is important for the genus. Depending on the species and the conditions, the wire shrub is hardy and perennial. It is best if the wire bush is planted in the ground and , if necessary, protected from low temperatures with brushwood.

How do I plant Mühlenbeckia

Mühlenbeckia are planted in spring as ground cover or in containers. Use structurally stable potting soil for planting and add a layer of expanded clay to the bottom of the pot for drainage. Make sure that you only use vessels that have a water drainage hole. When planting in beds, you should thoroughly loosen the soil before planting and remove all weeds.

Alternatively, you can combine the decorative type for autumnal arrangements with silver wire, heather, gentians, grasses or chrysanthemums. With sufficient moisture and warmth , the plant grows quickly and enriches any planting with its appearance. The autumn plant is a feast for the eyes until the first frost. Temperatures around freezing point and down to -5 degrees Celsius are well tolerated. Tip: Even if you only want to enjoy the structure plant for decoration on the balcony or terrace, it is advisable to transplant the plant into a larger container. This makes Mühlenbeckia care easier and improves growth.

How do I care for and water my wire shrub properly

The Mühlenbeckia care succeeds without much effort. Ensure an even water supply immediately after planting. It is important that there is never waterlogging, as the roots are sensitive to it. However, the balcony box, the bed or the pot must not dry out completely. The plant is frugal, robust and easy to care for. In the event of waterlogging or excessive drought, the wire shrub quickly sheds all its leaves. After pruning and improved conditions , however, the structure plant will sprout well again . It is important that you water occasionally even in winter. You do not have to fertilize unless you cultivate the plant all year round and overwinter the vessel. With a pruning you promote the branching of the wire bush. It is therefore advisable to shorten the longest shoots with sharp pruning shears at regular intervals.

What pests and diseases can Mühlenbeckia get

Mühlenbeckia is hardy and not susceptible to pests and diseases. Problems can arise from a place that is too damp and incorrect care. Sometimes aphids can be found on young shoots. These can easily be combated by spraying with a jet of water, pruning and strengthening with Kölle’s organic plant treatment.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about Mühlenbeckia

How does Mühlenbeckia reproduce?

The perennials are mainly propagated by cuttings. Cut off approx. 3 cm long shoot tips and put them in a container with potting soil. Cultivation sets with a cover are well suited. Here the humidity is optimal and the formation of the roots takes place within a few weeks. Another way of propagation is by sowing.

Are Mühlenbeckia poisonous?

The Mühlenbeckia genus is not poisonous.

What is suitable in combination with Mühlenbeckia?

All classic autumn plants that are used for bowls and boxes such as e.g. B:

• Common heather (Calluna vulgaris)
• Autumn chrysanthemums
• Partridge berries (Gaultheria)
• cyclamen
• Barbed Wire
• gentian
• grasses
• sedum
• Autumn Anemones
• Tawny Asters

Smooth-Leaf Asters

Are Mühlenbeckia evergreen

Depending on the species and location, the perennials keep more or less their foliage. They are generally not referred to as evergreen.