Long shoots and small leaves, delicate flowers in summer and small berries in autumn - the Mühlenbeckia is an almost ideal ground cover for light shade. It is also quite easy to care for and is considered non-toxic.
Which Mühlenbeckia is suitable as a ground cover and how do you care for it?
Mühlenbeckia axillaris is particularly suitable as a ground cover because it is hardy, prefers light shade and is easy to care for. Regular watering and occasional fertilizing promote its growth, while pruning in spring allows the plant to grow denser.
Which Mühlenbeckia is best suited as a ground cover?
In principle, you can plant both the Mühlenbeckia axillaris and the Mühlenbeckia complexa as ground cover. Since Mühlenbeckia complexa is not hardy, it is not well suited to harsh climates with long periods of frost.
If you live in a mild area, then decide according to your taste or mix the different varieties. The hardy Mühlenbeckia axillaris, on the other hand, can be planted anywhere, ideally in a partially shaded place.
How do I care for my Mühlenbeckia as a ground cover?
Although the soil should not be too moist for the Mühlenbeckia, the root ball should not dry out. The best way to do this is to plant your wire bush in well-drained soil and water it regularly. Once or twice a month, add some liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) to the watering water so that your Mühlenbeckia gets enough nutrients.
Can I prune my Mühlenbeckia as a ground cover?
You can prune the Mühlenbeckia practically as you wish. She doesn't take this lightly. Use clean cutting tools to avoid spreading diseases or pests to this or other plants.
After pruning in spring, the Mühlenbeckia sprouts again particularly quickly. The cut stimulates growth, so the Mühlenbeckia then grows more lush and compact. You can also easily mow a larger area with Mühlenbeckias with a lawn mower. But make sure that the plants are not cut too close to the ground.
The most important things in brief:
- very suitable as a ground cover
- can be mowed if necessary
- ideal location: light shade
- Mühlenbeckia complexa only has very limited hardiness
- Winter Mühlenbeckia complexa frost-free if possible
- Mühlenbeckia axillaris also suitable for rougher areas
- Mühlenbeckia axillaris can overwinter outside
Tip
If you have to expect a harsh winter or longer periods of frost in your area, then it is better to plant the more frost-tolerant Mühlenbeckia axillaris.
