Muehlenbeckia astonii

A twiggy, deciduous shrub reaching a height of 1-2m and width of 1m.

This shrub has tiny heart-shaped green leaves on brown-red tangled branches. In summer, tiny creamy lemon flowers are produced followed by opaque white berries with a prominent black seed protruding from the berries flesh.

Best planted in full sun in well-drained soil but once established will tolerate dry, windy and exposed situations easily.

Always choose healthy, well-grown, plants and plant after autumn rains, when the soil is moist and warm allows shrubs to establish a good root system well before summer. Planting is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and forming raised beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, peat, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots or branches and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball to plant in. Long term slow-release fertilisers may be added at this stage. As soil is placed in the prepared hole tread firmly to bring soil in close contact with the root-ball. Unless the soil is very wet, water thoroughly making sure that moisture penetrates to the depth of the root-ball.

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Pruning can be carried out in summer, you can trim into topiary shapes or make into an informal hedge. This shrub doesn't usually require too much yearly maintenance.

Our native gecko loves the flesh around the seeds.

Normally trouble-free.

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