The white-fruited wire shrub (Mühlenbeckia complexa) is not or only partially hardy. It only tolerates temperatures below freezing for a short period of time, up to a maximum of about - 5 °C. This plant should better be housed in a frost-free winter quarters.
The Mühlenbeckia complexa does not like frost
Which winter quarters are suitable for the Mühlenbeckia?
The Mühlenbeckia complexa likes to overwinter at about 5 °C to 10 °C. A cool conservatory or an unheated greenhouse is quite suitable here. You can prune your Mühlenbeckia beforehand so that the plant takes up less space in the winter quarters. Otherwise, pruning is recommended in spring, as this encourages the plant to grow compact and lush.
If the temperatures drop below freezing for a short time, your Mühlenbeckia will shed its leaves, but will sprout again in the spring, at least if it is only that cold for a short time. Therefore, the white-fruited wire shrub can possibly overwinter outside in a mild area. To be on the safe side, give the plant winter protection from brushwood or leaves from excessive frost.
The winter care of the Mühlenbeckia
A dried out root ball is, so to speak, the death sentence for every Mühlenbeckia, this also applies in winter. So don't forget to water your wire bush. Outdoors, however, this should only be done on frost-free days. Indoors, water regularly but in smaller amounts than in the summer months. Do not give fertilizer at all until April.
If your Mühlenbeckia complexa is too warm in winter, it develops so-called light-deficiency or horny shoots. It has no leaves, flowers or fruit on these shoots, so they should be cut off in spring.
The essentials in brief:
- ideally overwinter frost-free at approx. 5 °C to 10 °C
- Horny shoots form in winter quarters that are too warm
- protect outside from too hard or too long frost
- possible winter protection: brushwood, leaves or special fleece
- Water little, outside but only on frost-free days
- do not fertilize
- Cut off any horny shoots in spring
tips
You should only overwinter your Mühlenbeckia complexa outside in a mild area, such as a wine-growing region. In all other cases, hibernation in a frost-free winter quarters is recommended.