The white-fruited wire bush (Mühlenbeckia complexa) is not hardy or only partially hardy. It can only tolerate temperatures below freezing point up to a maximum of around -5 °C for short periods of time. It is better to keep this plant in a frost-free winter quarter.
Is Mühlenbeckia complexa hardy?
The Mühlenbeckia complexa is conditionally hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to a maximum of -5 °C for short periods of time. For optimal overwintering, it should be placed in a frost-free winter quarter at 5 °C to 10 °C to avoid damage from frost.
Which winter quarters are suitable for the Mühlenbeckia?
The Mühlenbeckia complexa likes to overwinter at around 5 °C to 10 °C. A cool winter garden or an unheated greenhouse works well here. So that the plant takes up less space in winter quarters, you can prune your Mühlenbeckia beforehand. Otherwise, pruning in spring is recommended as this encourages the plant to grow compactly and lushly.
If the temperatures drop below freezing point for a short time, your Mühlenbeckia will shed its leaves, but will sprout again in the spring, at least if it is only this cold for a short time. Therefore, the white-fruited wire bush may be able to overwinter outside in a mild area. To be on the safe side, give the plant winter protection from brushwood or leaves against severe frost.
Winter care for the Mühlenbeckia
A dried out root ball is, so to speak, a death sentence for every Mühlenbeckia, this also applies in winter. So don't forget to water your wire bush. However, this should only be done outside on frost-free days. Indoors, water regularly, but in smaller amounts than in the summer months. Don't give any fertilizer until April.
If your Mühlenbeckia complexa is too warm in winter, it will develop what are known as low-light or horny shoots. It has no leaves, flowers or fruit on these shoots, so they should be cut off in spring.
The most important things in brief:
- Ideally overwinter frost-free, at approx. 5 °C to 10 °C
- horn shoots form in winter quarters that are too warm
- protect outside from frost that is too hard or too long
- possible winter protection: brushwood, leaves or special fleece
- water little, but only outside on frost-free days
- do not fertilize
- Cut off any horny shoots in spring
Tip
You should only overwinter your Mühlenbeckia complexa outside in a mild area, such as a wine-growing region. In all other cases, overwintering in a frost-free winter quarter is recommended.
