The Mühlenbeckia or wire bush is one of the garden and house plants that does not require regular pruning. This makes the wire bush quite easy to care for. With its long tendrils, this plant is also suitable as a hanging basket plant.
When and how should you cut Mühlenbeckia?
Mühlenbeckia do not require regular pruning, but can be pruned at any time to remove horny shoots in spring or to achieve a harmonious appearance. As a ground cover, cutting it off in spring can encourage lush growth.
Nevertheless, the Mühlenbeckia tolerates pruning very well, which means that it doesn't take offense to quite radical pruning. If you have planted Mühlenbeckias as a ground cover, then go over them in the spring with the lawn mower upright. This will encourage the plants to grow lushly and densely.
When does it make sense to cut back Mühlenbeckia?
Pruning is always recommended if you are not satisfied with the appearance of your Mühlenbeckia. If so-called horny shoots (powerless and colorless shoots without leaves) have appeared in winter or in a location that is too dark, you can cut them off in spring. However, if the non-hardy Mühlenbeckia complexa is frozen, then even pruning it is no longer of any use.
If some shoots disrupt the harmonious overall appearance of the plant, then these shoots can be cut off without hesitation. You can also put climbing aids in the flower pot or planter and let your wire bush grow as you wish. It may be advisable to cut it back in autumn so that the Mühlenbeckia can overwinter. This makes it easier to transport the plant to its winter quarters.
What do I have to consider when pruning my Mühlenbeckia?
Even if the Mühlenbeckia is quite robust, you should always use clean and sharp tools (€14.00 on Amazon) for pruning. This will prevent unnecessary injury to the plant and the possible transmission of pests or diseases. You should cut off dried and diseased shoots as soon as you discover them. Cut off strong shoots, then check their suitability as cuttings for propagation.
The most important things in brief:
- regular pruning not necessary
- Cutting possible at any time
- Cut off horny shoots in spring
- Mow ground cover in spring if necessary
- possibly cut back in autumn before moving to winter quarters
Tip
If you want to encourage your Mühlenbeckia to produce particularly lush and strong shoots, then mow the plant down in spring.
