The Mühlenbeckia, also known as the wire bush, is a very versatile and easy-care plant. It can be planted very well in the garden, but can also be used as a houseplant. However, the different types of wire bush are hardy in different ways.
How do I care for Mühlenbeckia in the garden?
The Mühlenbeckia is well suited for the garden, preferring slightly shady locations and well-drained soil. It can be used as a ground cover or climbing plant. Regular watering and fertilizing is important. Mühlenbeckia complexa should overwinter frost-free, Mühlenbeckia axillaris can stay outside.
Which place is suitable for the Mühlenbeckia?
The Mühlenbeckia does not need direct sunlight, on the contrary: it feels most comfortable in a slightly shady and not too warm location. With its long, climbing shoots, it is well suited as a ground cover, but can also grow upwards on a trellis. Place the Mühlenbeckia in a pot or a balcony box and you will have a beautiful plant for your terrace or balcony.
Does the Mühlenbeckia need special care?
There is only one thing you should definitely pay attention to when caring for your Mühlenbeckia: Never let the root ball become too dry. Water the Mühlenbeckia regularly, but not too much at once. Because the otherwise frugal plant reacts sensitively to waterlogging.
Can the Mühlenbeckia stay outside in winter?
The Mühlenbeckia complexa can't really withstand much frost. If temperatures fall below -5°C for some time, the plant can suffer permanent damage. If there is no suitable frost-free winter quarters available, you will probably have to buy a new Mühlenbeckia next year.
If you have a Mühlenbeckia axillaris, then in most cases you can let this plant overwinter outside. Give this wire bush a protective layer of brushwood to prevent it from freezing. But make sure that your Mühlenbeckia still gets enough air. Water the plant on frost-free days so it doesn't die of thirst.
The most important things in brief:
- Location: bright and moderately warm, preferably in light shade
- Soil: permeable
- water regularly
- fertilize once or twice a month in summer
- Winter Mühlenbeckia complexa frost-free if possible
- Mühlenbeckia axillaris can overwinter outside
Tip
The Mühlenbeckia can be used in many ways as a plant for your garden, both as a ground cover and as a climbing plant.