Maidenhair Vine, Wire Vine, Mattress Vine, Creeping Wire Vine, Necklace Vine, Angel Vine
Muehlenbeckia complexa
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Muehlenbeckia complexa is primarily used as an ornamental groundcover, climber, or trailer in permaculture gardens. Its dense growth habit makes it effective for erosion control on slopes. The plant has no widely known edible or medicinal uses. It can be used as a living mulch, suppressing weeds while adding organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.
Permapeople description
Muehlenbeckia complexa is a scrambling vine native to New Zealand. It has wiry stems and small leaves.
Botanical description
Muehlenbeckia complexa is a sprawling, evergreen vine native to New Zealand. It is characterized by its wiry, tangled stems and small, round to heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are typically dark green but can vary depending on environmental conditions and cultivar. The plant produces small, inconspicuous white or greenish flowers in late spring and summer, followed by tiny, black or white berries. It is a highly adaptable plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil types and light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. The plant typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and can spread several feet wide.
Companion planting
Muehlenbeckia complexa is generally compatible with a wide range of plants due to its adaptable nature. It can be grown alongside other groundcovers, shrubs, and trees. Avoid planting it near very delicate or slow-growing plants that might be overwhelmed by its vigorous growth.
Propagation methods
Muehlenbeckia complexa can be propagated through several methods: seed sowing (though germination can be slow), stem cuttings (taken in spring or summer), and division of established plants. Cuttings are the most common and reliable method, rooting readily in moist soil or water. Layering is also possible, where a stem is buried in the soil until it roots.
History and traditions
Muehlenbeckia complexa is native to New Zealand and has been used traditionally by the Maori people for various purposes, including weaving and medicinal applications, although specific details are sparse. In contemporary times, it's primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes worldwide. It's valued for its unique texture and ability to cover walls, fences, and ground quickly.
Usage calendar
Flowering: Late Spring to Summer. Planting: Spring or Autumn. Pruning: Late Winter or Early Spring to control size and shape. Propagation: Spring or Summer for cuttings and division.