Muehlenbeckia axillaris – Creeping Wire Vine (Pōhuehue)

What are the landscaping uses for Muehlenbeckia axillaris?

Muehlenbeckia axillaris is a good choice for a landscaping project. It is commonly mass planted either as a ground cover or on a bank, included in borders or mixed plantings, or planted around outdoor living areas such as pools and barbecue areas. This is one of the hardiest ground cover plants as it thrives with neglect! Muehlenbeckia axillaris is favoured by landscape designers for its ground covering ability, small foliage, and versatility. It really can be grown almost anywhere!

Muehlenbeckia axillaris for sale in NZ

The Plant Company has the best Muehlenbeckia axillaris for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

What is the difference: Muehlenbeckia axillaris vs Muehlenbeckia complexa?

It's easy to see why there's sometimes confusion between Muehlenbeckia axillaris and Muehlenbeckia complexa. Both are New Zealand native plants with a "wire vine" appearance. However, they have some key differences. Muehlenbeckia axillaris is a low-growing, mat-forming shrub that tends to spread horizontally. Muehlenbeckia complexa is a more vigorous, climbing or scrambling vine that can grow much taller and is often used to cover fences, walls, or other structures. Muehlenbeckia axillaris has very small leaves whereas Muehlenbeckia complexa has relatively larger leaves. Further, Muehlenbeckia complexa tends to be more vigorous in its growth.

How to care for Muehlenbeckia axillaris

Caring for Muehlenbeckia axillaris is generally quite straightforward as it is a very hardy plant. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers a well-drained soil. It can, however, tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils provided they drain well. It also tolerates frost as well as coastal and alpine environments. Regular watering is important, especially during the first year to establish a strong root system. After that the plants are largely drought-tolerant. Pruning is mainly for shaping and controlling its spread. You can trim it to maintain a desired shape or to keep it from becoming too unruly at any time of the year. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and suppress weeds while it establishes. It will benefit from native plant fertiliser in spring. It is generally resistant to pests and diseases.

What is the common name for Muehlenbeckia axillaris?

The common names for Muehlenbeckia axillaris are Creeping wire vine and Pohuehue.

What is the optimum Muehlenbeckia axillaris spacing as a ground cover?

The optimum Muehlenbeckia axillaris spacing for the plants to merge and become an effective ground cover is 80 cm apart. At this spacing the plants will merge inside of 2-3 years depending on the growing conditions. Of course, if you want them to fill in faster, reduce the distance between the plants to 60-70 cm. However, if you want them to grow as a unique plant, they will need to be spaced at least 1.5 m apart.

Can Muehlenbeckia axillaris grow on clay and banks?

The Plant Company often recommends Muehlenbeckia axillaris for banks and clay soils. This is because the plant can tolerate the changeable conditions both clay and banks afford. They can be very dry in summer and somewhat wet during winter. That said, reasonable drainage is also important and the better the drainage, the better the plants will perform. Additionally, they won’t grow well on saturated soils and will struggle.