Creeping Wire Vine

Muehlenbeckia axillaris is a fascinating and structurally unique ground-cover plant that is gaining popularity in UK contemporary and gravel gardens. It forms a dense, wiry mat of interlacing, dark brown stems covered in tiny, circular, glossy green leaves. The overall effect is a low, undulating carpet that hugs the ground or spills over the edges of containers and walls with a very fine texture. In late summer, it produces inconspicuous, tiny greenish-white flowers, followed by small, translucent white berries with black seeds. It is semi-evergreen, often keeping its leaves in mild winters or in the southern parts of the UK, but may turn bronze or drop foliage in colder regions. It is remarkably tough and can even withstand light foot traffic, making it a possible alternative to grass in low-use areas. It thrives in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and is hardy to H4. Its sprawling habit makes it excellent for binding soil on slopes.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained loam or sand.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.