Muehlenbeckia complexa is an unusual vine native to New Zealand that can be used as a versatile climber or attractive ground cover plant.
Fast growing, it quickly develops into a mass of interlacing, reddish, wiry stems covered in small, rounded, emerald-green leaves. Although primarily grown for its unusual habit and foliage, it also bears small sprays of tiny, greenish-white flowers in midsummer that are sweetly scented. Borderline hardy, it is suitable for sheltered positions in mild areas of the UK where the foliage will remain evergreen to semi-evergreen. Tolerant of coastal winds and salt spray, it is well suited to coastal gardens.
Muehlenbeckia forms delightfully airy, cushiony mounds that bounce back from footfall. It will scramble over any obstacle, cover banks, climb up walls if given support, or spread to form low groundcover. It can also be used to cascade gracefully from a summer container or hanging basket and brought into a conservatory or greenhouse for the winter. Plants can even be trimmed into topiary specimens if grown over wire supports. Height: 3m (9.8ft). Spread: 2m (6.5ft).
Plant height and spread is seasonal therefore we list by pot size rather than a defined plant size. The height and spread of the plant delivered will vary depending on the season, meaning arrival images are an indication only.
An unusual vine native to New Zealand that can be used as a versatile climber or attractive ground cover plant.
Grow in full sun or partial shade in a south or west facing sheltered spot away from cold, drying winds. Provide suitable support or leave to spread naturally as ground cover. Routine pruning is not required, but plants can be trimmed back after flowering if they outgrow their allotted space.
