Ever wondered if your Wire Vine (also known as Muehlenbeckia) can handle the winter chill? Well, the answer is: it depends! Whether your plant stays happy outdoors or needs a cozy spot inside really comes down to which variety you’re growing. Here’s the lowdown on how to keep your Wire Vine thriving until spring.
Muehlenbeckia complexa vs. Muehlenbeckia axillaris
Generally speaking, you’ll run into two main types of Wire Vine. First, there’s Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine), which sports cool black fruits. Then there’s Muehlenbeckia complexa (Maidenhair Vine), which can have white, yellowish, or even red berries. If you’ve got the axillaris variety, you can usually breathe easy—it’s quite hardy and typically handles average winter temperatures outdoors without a fuss.
On the other hand, Muehlenbeckia complexa is a bit more of a delicate soul when it comes to the cold. It can handle a light, brief frost, but extended freezing temperatures are a no-go. If this is the variety in your garden, you’ll definitely want to take some precautions.
Sometimes, a thick “blanket” of mulch or fallen leaves over the planting site is enough to protect it—just use a little wire mesh to keep the wind from blowing your mulch away. However, the safest bet is to move the plant to a sheltered spot for the season.
Prepping for the First Frost
If you’re looking for a groundcover that can stay outside all winter, Muehlenbeckia axillaris is your best friend. But if you prefer growing in containers—or don’t mind digging your plants up and potting them for the winter—Muehlenbeckia complexa is a great choice too.
Here’s your winter checklist for the Wire Vine:
- Find a cool room (40°F to 50°F / 5°C to 10°C)
- Ensure good airflow
- Keep up with regular watering
The best winter homes are usually a cool basement, a sunroom, or an unheated greenhouse. Ideally, you want to keep the temperature between 40°F and 50°F. Pro tip: Don’t try to keep them in a warm, heated room! It messes with their natural growth cycle. You aren’t doing your Wire Vine any favors by pretending it’s summer all year long.
