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Climber Wall Shrub

Muehlenbeckia complexa

necklace vine

A deciduous climber, forming dense masses of slender, wiry, much interlaced stems, reaching 2.5-3m but vertical height usually not relevant. Dark green leaves are small, to 2cm long, variable in shape (roundish, heart-shaped, oblong and fiddle-shaped). Flowers greenish, borne in small terminal and axillary spikes in autumn. On female plants only, the perianth persists to a fruiting stage, becoming enlarged, glistening waxy white, enclosing a black, shining nutlet

Other common names
Australian ivy
Australian maidenhair vine
see moremaidenhair vine
mattress vine
wire plant
wire vine
Synonyms
Muehlenbeckia axillaris misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green White Green
Autumn Green White
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Polygonaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Trailing
Genus

Muehlenbeckia are evergreen or deciduous shrubs or semi-woody climbers, with alternate leaves or sometimes none. Flowers are inconspicuous, whitish or greenish

Name status

Correct

Plant range
New Zealand, Lord Howe Is.

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade with shelter from cold winds; suitable support will be needed

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 11

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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