Overview
Muehlenbeckia complexa is a trailing climber wall shrub in the genus Muehlenbeckia, part of the Polygonaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Muehlenbeckia complexa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, banks and slopes and wall side borders. It is native to New Zealand North, New Zealand South and Norfolk Is..
About
Muehlenbeckia complexa is a plant commonly known as pohuehue, although this name also applies to some other climbers such as Muehlenbeckia australis.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Muehlenbeckia complexa
About the genus
Muehlenbeckia or maidenhair is a genus of flowering plants in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to the borders of the Pacific, including South and North America, Papua New Guinea and Australasia. It has been introduced elsewhere, including Europe.
Wikipedia contributors, "Muehlenbeckia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Muehlenbeckia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Muehlenbeckia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Muehlenbeckia complexa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Banks and slopes, Wall side borders
- Native to
- New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Norfolk Is.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Muehlenbeckia complexa
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; can be cut back hard if necessary
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Muehlenbeckia complexa?
Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Muehlenbeckia complexa?
Muehlenbeckia complexa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Muehlenbeckia complexa need?
Muehlenbeckia complexa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Muehlenbeckia complexa?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; can be cut back hard if necessary.
How big does Muehlenbeckia complexa grow?
Muehlenbeckia complexa reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Muehlenbeckia complexa hardy in the UK?
Muehlenbeckia complexa has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Muehlenbeckia complexa?
Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.