About

This erect, deciduous, twiggy shrub to 2m tall, with zig-zagging, wiry branches. It bears small, heart-shaped leaves and in summer produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers. Tolerant of dry and exposed sites.

About the genus

Muehlenbeckia are evergreen or deciduous shrubs or semi-woody climbers, with alternate leaves or sometimes none. Flowers are inconspicuous, whitish or greenish

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal
Native toNew Zealand

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Plants are drought tolerant once established
PruningSee pruning group 11; it is also suitable for topiary
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 21°C as soon as ripe; take semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free