Muehlenbeckia complexa

A fine-textured groundcover or trailer native to New Zealand. The plant’s signature is a dense tangle of dark, wiry stems clothed in tiny orbicular leaves — creating an airy, almost wire-sculpture effect. Growth is vigorous once established, spreading by rooting stems where they contact soil.

Received April 4, 2026 from Planting Partners (Etsy).

Care

Tolerates a wide range of conditions but performs best in well-draining soil with moderate moisture and good air circulation. Drought-tolerant once rooted in, but young starts benefit from consistent moisture through the first growing season. In zone 6b, treat as a protected outdoor or greenhouse plant — stems may die back in hard frost but roots sometimes survive under cover. Full sun intensifies the compact habit; shade produces longer, looser growth.

Prune or trim freely to shape; it rebounds quickly. Propagates easily from stem cuttings taken at any node.

Garden Notes