Muehlenbeckia
Wire vine, Wire plant
- Height × spread
- 4.5m – 4.5m × 3m – 3m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These are rather delicate climbers that have tiny little leaves, often rather rounded and held on slim stems. It can be a scrambling climber, or can be a shrub. They have a charm all their own and make a tangled looking array of stems and leaves. The tangle coexists with a curious airy appeal as though they have not quite decided to settle on the ground. Some forms have flowers that are likewise tiny, but which have a sweet fragrance. These are not generally hardy and would be unable to winter outside, except in the very warmest parts of the country.
- Flower colour
- Green, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 4.5m – 4.5m
- Spread
- 3m – 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Summer
Summer-Autumn · Planting
Support tall stems
The plant may require support for long stems. Provide an artificial frame which it can grow through, or loosely tie the whole plant. A network of twigs can be woven together to provide a framework through which the plant can grow.
Tall stems can lean or be battered by weather. Support the plant to keep its vertical lines, aiming for a natural appearance which is easy on the eye.
Planting & general
Planting
Prune after flowering
Generally reduce the plant in size by cutting back all the spreading branches and shoots, so there are only 3 or 4 buds on each stalk.