Overview
Muehlenbeckia platyclada is a bushy climber wall shrub in the genus Muehlenbeckia, part of the Polygonaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Muehlenbeckia platyclada grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include coastal, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens.
About
Muehlenbeckia platyclada, commonly known as centipede plant or ribbon bush, is a bushy, deciduous shrub within the Muehlenbeckia genus. This genus includes both evergreen and deciduous shrubs as well as semi-woody climbers, typically with alternate leaves and subtle whitish or greenish flowers. Muehlenbeckia platyclada thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is often used in coastal gardens, flower borders, hedging, and low-maintenance landscapes, with interest in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Muehlenbeckia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Muehlenbeckia platyclada size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Muehlenbeckia platyclada
- Propagation
- Sowing seed at 21°C as soon as ripe; semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Muehlenbeckia platyclada?
Muehlenbeckia platyclada prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Muehlenbeckia platyclada need?
Muehlenbeckia platyclada is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Muehlenbeckia platyclada hardy in the UK?
Muehlenbeckia platyclada has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Muehlenbeckia platyclada?
Sowing seed at 21°C as soon as ripe; semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
More in the Muehlenbeckia genus
- Muehlenbeckia adpressaAustralian native ivy
- Muehlenbeckia axillaris 'Mount Cook' (f)
- Muehlenbeckia complexa 'Golden Girl'PBR
- Muehlenbeckia ephedroides 'Clarence Pass'
- Muehlenbeckia ephedroides var. muricatula