Photo of Muehlenbeckia complexa foliage by Little Prince of Oregon

Photo by Little Prince of Oregon

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Muehlenbeckia complexa

Also Known As

  • Wire Grass
  • Wire Vine or Maidenhair Vine

Plant type

perennial, groundcover, vine

size

  • H: 6"
  • W: 20'-30'

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

More Options

Muehlenbeckia complexa plant details

Muehlenbeckia complexa is a fast-growing broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial groundcover vine with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Muehlenbeckia complexa

Plant type: perennial groundcover vine
Plant family: polygonaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 20 FT - 30 FT - wide, 6 IN tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, edging plant, rock garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Muehlenbeckia complexa

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: wind
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

From the mountains of New Zealand, this 4-8' climber/mounder version of the more common groundcover has similar tiny leaves and spikes of white flowers. S-PSh/M
Zn 7. Light green leaves. Dense, evergreen.
A quick growing vine with white summer flowers and tiny round leaves floating on black wiry vines. Native to New Zealand. 12'. Mass, shape, or train vertically. Especially loves the coast and tolerates wind, salt, and sand.Minimum temperature: 10 °F
A delicate, but sturdy plant for the miniature garden that is normally used for a groundcover with tiny stems that are deep red, contrasting nicely against the leaves. Grow it up a miniature trellis or arbor for fun. Train over an arbor or along a fence. Outdoor. Part sun/Part shade. Indoor: bright indirect, divide every second year. Regular water. In a pot, divide every couple of years to keep it happy. In the ground can be invasive in some areas. Judiciously divide or shovel-prune in late spring to control growth. Cold hardy to zones 8 - 10. Heat hardy zones 10 - 8.
Often referred to as wire grass, this particularly useful, New Zealand ground cover or container plant grows to only 6" in height, spreading slowly. Dark, wiry stems with shiny, evergreen leaves. Sun to part shade in almost any soil but needing some summer water where particularly dry. Very good around steps or larger specimens such as New Zealand flax. Frost hardy to 8 °F, upper edge of USDA zone 7. Sometimes sold as M. axillaris.

Gardening facts about Muehlenbeckia complexa plant

How to Grow Muehlenbeckia complexa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • wind tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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