Mingimingi, Wiggy Wig, Shrubby Totoraro
Muehlenbeckia astonii, commonly known as Shrubby Tororaro or Mingimingi, is a NZ native shrub featuring densely interlaced branches. The wiry stems host small, bright green leaves and delicate, white flowers in summer. It grows to 2.5 m high and 1.5 m wide and can be contained with trimming. Muehlenbeckia astonii is commonly included in a mixed planting or grown as an interesting hedge.
Suited to regions: | All regions |
Plant type: | Shrubs |
Height: | 2.50 m |
Spread: | 1.50 m |
Flowering time: | Summer |
Tolerances: | Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind |
Garden uses: | Hedging, Living areas, Screening |
Garden styles: | Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native |
Easy to grow? | Yes |
Maintenance requirements | Low |
Growth rate | Medium |
Also known as | Mingimingi, Wiggy Wig, Shrubby Totoraro |
Muehlenbeckia astonii is a good choice for a landscaping project. It is commonly included in a mixed planting to provide contrast and texture. It is also ideal for growing as an informal hedge, particularly in coastal areas or places that can become dry. Muehlenbeckia astonii is favoured by landscape designers for its unusual foliage which provides both height and textural interest to a space. Moreover, it is hardy and can be grown almost anywhere!
The Plant Company has the best Muehlenbeckia astonii for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!
Caring for Muehlenbeckia astonii is generally quite straightforward as it is a very hardy plant. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers a well-drained soil. It can, however, tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils provided they drain well. It also tolerates frost as well as coastal and alpine environments. Regular watering is important, especially during the first year to establish a strong root system. After that the plants are largely drought-tolerant. Pruning is mainly for shaping and you can trim it at any time of the year. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and suppress weeds while it establishes. It will benefit from native plant fertiliser in spring and is generally resistant to pests and diseases.
Muehlenbeckia astonii makes an interesting hedge. The plants are generally spaced 50 cm apart and supported with a stake to keep it growing upright and to achieve a narrow hedge. The hedge is generally trimmed every 6-12 months to keep it contained and tidy. The Plant Company often recommends using this plant as an informal hedge, i.e., minimally trimmed if at all. The natural shape of this plant is one of its appealing characteristics and accepting a wider hedge with less trimming is a popular option with this plant. In such instances the plants are spaced 1-1.2 m apart.
The common names for Muehlenbeckia astonii include Shrubby tororaro, Wiggy-wig bush, and Mingimingi. Mingimingi is a general Māori term that is used for a variety of small-leaved shrubs.
Caring for Muehlenbeckia astonii is generally quite straightforward as it is a very hardy plant. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers a well-drained soil. It can, however, tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils provided they drain well. It also tolerates frost as well as coastal and alpine environments. High levels of soil fertility are not required but will certainly not harm this amazing plant.
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