Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, Maidenhair Vine

Maidenhair vine is native to both Australia and New Zealand and is a fairly well known climber and ground cover noted for the tiny leaves and thin wiry stems which forms quite a dense mat or thick fast growing vine. Last night it was featured in the Monty Don's Around the world in 80 gardens. Monty took a flying leap and jumped into the middle of a patch of this plant in a New Zealand garden while commenting that he was safe to do so knowing that he had left all the venomous creatures behind in Australia. Trouble is the venomous animal which was shown was no other than the harmless and good garden friend, the Saint Andrew's Cross spider.

Agiope aetherea, St Andrew's Cross Spider

Muehlenbeckia axillaris,Maidenhair Vine
This is a very hardy plant and will tolerate frosty conditions or coastal ones as well . It can be successfully grown over a topiary frame but needs almost constant clipping as it is very fast growing.
2017 update: I do grow this from time to time but I am currently out of stock.

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