Muehlenbeckia axillaris

Muehlenbeckia axillaris belongs to the family of the Polygonaceae and is a low, creeping plant that is native to New Zealand and Australian mountain regions. This plant is estimated worldwide due to its dense, carpet -like growth form and its adaptability to various climate conditions in ornamental gardens and landscapes.

Morphology and growth form

Muehlenbeckia axillaris is a low -growing, evergreen or half -green shrub, which can reach a height of about 10 to 30 cm and can spread over several meters due to its creeping shoots. The plant forms a dense braid of woody drives, which can form roots on the knots, which gives it an excellent ground cover property.

The leaves are small, oval to rounded and about 5 to 10 mm long. They have a shiny, dark green color and are attached to short petiels. In autumn, the leaves often take on a yellowish to bronze color, which increases the aesthetic effect of the plant this season. The leaves appear changeable on the shoots and contribute to the dense, mat -like appearance of the plant.

The flowers of Muehlenbeckia axillaris are small and inconspicuous, whitish-green and bloom in spring and summer. They are arranged individually or in small tufts in the leaf axils (axillary), which gives the plant their botanical name. These flowers are not conspicuous, but they deliver nectar and pollen for various insects, which underlines the ecological role of the plant in their natural habitat. After flowering, the plant forms small, black fruits that are about 3 mm tall and are surrounded by a white, slightly meaty shell.

Ecology and distribution

Muehlenbeckia axillaris comes from the cooler, alpine regions of New Zealand and Australia, where they have spread on rocky slopes, river banks and in open forests. In its natural environment, the plant often grows in nutrient -poor, well -drained soils and shows a remarkable tolerance towards dryness and cold. This makes it an excellent choice for stony, dry locations in gardens, where it can thrive even in difficult conditions.

In many regions of the world, including Europe and North America, Muehlenbeckia axillaris is used as an ornamental plant. It is often used as a ground cover, for planting stone gardens, or as a filling plant in containers and tubs. Due to its dense growth form and its rapid growth, it is well suited to combat weeds and stabilize embankments.

Location claims and care

Muehlenbeckia axillaris is a robust plant that can adapt to a variety of locations. It prefers well -permeable soils that are slightly acidic to neutral, but also tolerates nutrient -poor and sandy soils. The plant thrives in both sunny and partially shaded locations, whereby it grows denser and compact in full sun, while it forms longer, less dense shoots in the shade.

With regard to irrigation, Muehlenbeckia axillaris is relatively undemanding. It is tolerant to dryness, but requires occasional irrigation in long dry periods, especially in permeable, stony soils. Waterlogging should be avoided because this can lead to root rot. A regular pruning of the plant promotes dense growth and helps to keep its spread under control because it could be considered invasive in some regions.

Winter hardness and adaptability

Muehlenbeckia axillaris is hardy and can survive temperatures up to about -15 ° C. However, the plant can lose its leaves in colder climates, but grows again in spring. Their ability to adapt to different ground and climate conditions makes it an ideal plant for difficult locations such as dry slopes, stony floors or gardens with little maintenance.

In regions with a mild winter, Muehlenbeckia axillaris often stays green all year round, while it starts a resting phase in colder in winter. It also shows a remarkable tolerance compared to salty environments, which makes it particularly suitable for coastal gardens.

Use in garden design

Muehlenbeckia axillaris is a popular choice in landscape design due to its properties as a ground cover, its ability to stabilize ground and its aesthetic qualities. It is often used in stone gardens, as a ground cover in discounts and to green walls and slopes. In containers and hanging baskets, it forms decorative cascades that are ideal for planting terraces and balconies.