Creeping Wire Vine ,A.k.a Mattress Vine (10 Seeds) Muehlenbeckia Axillaris Creeping wire vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris) is a sprawling, evergreen plant characterized by wiry stems and round, glossy green leaves. The plant is commonly used as a ground cover and a stabilizing force for eroding hillsides and slopes. It grows to a height of between 2 to 4 inches, with a spread of about 30 inches. Creeping wire vine is low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in the right location. Features Creeping wire vine is quite tolerant of foot traffic and may be stepped on freely, though it can be a tripping hazard if planted in between stepping stones. It is generally not bothered by deer. Green, simple flowers emerge in the late spring and early summer and are followed by white skinned, black seeded berries. The berries are juicy and edible. Creeping wire vine may be grown in a container if desired. Location A native of New Zealand and Australia, creeping wire vine is suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 to 9. The plant may be grown in full sunlight, partial sunlight or dappled shade. Creeping wire vine is fast growing and can be grown as a ground cover in areas too shady for other plants. To completely cover an area, plant four to six plants per square yard. Creeping wire vine may be too vigorous to grow as a border plant; it can take over rock gardens if allowed. Soil Creeping wire vine is not at all picky about soil. It will grow in sandy soils, as well as rocky or clay soils. The plant will grow in neutral, alkaline or acidic soil. It will grow in dry soil as well as wet soil, though established plants will do better in dry soil than new plants. Creeping wire vine will produce its most vigorous growth when grown in a well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. 1) Cold-germinators are still referred to as frost-germinators, although this isnt quite correct. The sowing must be kept warm (about +18 to +22C) [about 64 to 72F] and moist for the first 24 weeks. After this period the sowing must be kept at a cold temperature (between 4 and +4C) [between 25 and 39F] for another 46 weeks. Colder temperatures of 5C [23F] are only advantageous for most species of the Ranunculus family. It is not so important if the temperature is higher or lower during the cooling period, but the cooling period has to be prolonged because the synthesis of the germination inducer, hormon-like acid, slows down or comes to a standstill. It is beneficial to cover the sowing with snow during the cooling-period. The temperature below it usually keeps in the optimum range of 4 to 0C [25 to 32F]. The sowing is kept moist, and the melting snow helps to destroy the shell, which is advantageous for the germinating seedling. After this cooling-period the sowing may not be immediately exposed to high temperatures. The most effective temperatures are between +5 to +12C [41 to 54F], even if germination has started. The best location for this sowing, even in March, April and May, is the open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse. Maintenance Creeping wire vine requires little tending. You may wish to mow the plant down in the spring to encourage fresh, healthy new growth. Water regularly throughout the first growing season to help the roots establish, and feed with a general purpose fertilizer if desired in the spring, before new growth emerges. Water can be reduced after the first growing season.