Boussingaultia (Anredera) Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 20th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Boussingaultia / Anredera plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Boussingaultia plant feature lush, trailing green foliage that makes for an impressive ground cover or use as a cascading feature in hanging baskets. Their unique appearance makes a captivating choice for garden diversity.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Plants will thrive in a well-draining soil and prefer a location with indirect sunlight to partial shade. A humid environment can be beneficial.
- General Care: Water them consistently, ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Periodic pruning can help to maintain shape and vigor.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Boussingaultia is suitable for both beginners and more advanced gardeners. Its resilience and adaptability make it a rewarding choice, but occasionally monitor for potential pest issues. Provide support or a trellis if you want it to grow vertically. Grow in containers if you live in an area affected by frost. Some species are considered invasive in many areas, so check your local regulations before growing this plant.
Madeira Vine, and Mignonette Vine: Cultivation & Garden Use
Plants of the genus Boussingaultia (Anredera) are half hardy perennial climbers; they have recently been reclassified to the Anredera genus.
They typically flower at the end of summer or the beginning of autumn with small clustered white flowers.
Anredera are often referred to by the common name of Madeira Vine or Mignonette vine.
Madeira Vine by John Tann.
As they are climbers they should be grown on a trellis.
These plants can grow uncontrollably and are considered an invasive pest in many areas so please be careful of your local conditions when considering growing this plant in your garden.
Some companion plants that are likely to be able to deal with the competitive nature of this plant include Pothos, Begonias, Busy lizzies, Coleus, and Ferns such as Nephrolepis biserrata 'Macho'.
How to Grow Madeira Vine (Boussingaultia / Anredera)
When growing Boussingaultia / Anredera directly outdoors it is best to sow seeds just below the surface.
While tubers should be sunk at a depth of two inches (5 cm) in early spring before the last frost of winter.
If planting indoors then Madeira Vine should be started about seven weeks before putting out.
They normally take about one month to germinate when kept at a temperature of 15 to 16 degrees Celsius.
When transplanting Madeira vine outdoors they should be planted at a spacing of about 24 to 32 inches (60 to 80 cm) apart after the last frost of spring
Locate in a sunny part of the garden with light sandy humus rich soil.
Anredera cordifolia by Petrichor.
Caring for Madeira Vines
Plants should be kept moist when growing, but the soil must be dry for the rest of the year.
It may be required to cut back Madeira vines to the ground if they have suffered frost damage, otherwise cut them back by about 50% every spring.
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Boussingaultia and Anredera Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Madeira Vine, Mignonette VineLife Cycle: Half hardy perennial.
Height: Up to twenty feet (6 m). Climbing vine.
Native: Americas.
Family: Basellaceae.
Growing Region: Zones 9 to 10. Can survive in Zone 8.
Flowers: Late summer until early autumn.
Flower Details: Cream. Tiny. Clustered. Fragrant.
Foliage: Heart-shaped. Bright green. Shiny. Fleshy.
Sow Outside: The plant usually reproduces via tubers and rhizomes and rarely produces seeds.
Seed: Cover. Start of spring - before the last frost, or towards the end of autumn. Tuber: two inches (5 cm). Following the last frost. Spacing 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: one month. Temperature 60°F (16°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost; temperature should not drop below 45°F (7°C).
Requirements: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Sandy soil, light soil, humus rich soil. Requires moist soil during the growing season, and dry soil in the dormant season. Provide trellis. In cold areas bring tubers indoors in the autumn and store in a frost free place. Cut back to half size in spring. Propagate: softwood cuttings at the start of winter, or root tubers in sand in the spring.
Miscellaneous: Boussingaultia is synonymous with the Anredera genus. Is considered an invasive species in many tropical and sub-tropical regions, and is not allowed to be cultivated or sold in New Zealand.
Common Questions
How many members does the Boussingaultia genus have?
The Boussingaultia genus includes approximately 2 species.
Do members of Boussingaultia make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Boussingaultia plants can be attractive additions to gardens for their trailing growth habit.
Which Boussingaultia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Boussingaultia baselloides (Madeira Vine) is the most commonly grown species.
Are members of the Boussingaultia plant genus fragrant?
No, Boussingaultia plants are not known for their fragrance.
What is the perfect location to grow Boussingaultia?
Boussingaultia prefers a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Is Boussingaultia invasive in the USA?
The species Boussingaultia baselloides (Madeira Vine) is considered invasive in some southern states of the USA.
How do I remove Boussingaultia plants from my garden?
Remove Boussingaultia by carefully digging up the entire plant, ensuring all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Boussingaultia genus, also known as Madeira-vine, belongs to the Basellaceae family and is native to South America. These climbing vines are known for their heart-shaped leaves and clusters of fragrant, white flowers.
Boussingaultia thrive in full sun to partial shade, in fertile, well-drained soil. They are generally grown from tubers planted in the spring. While they prefer regular watering, they can tolerate short periods of drought. However, be mindful as they can become invasive if conditions are optimal.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Boussingaultia. You may also enjoy the following vine growing guides: How to grow Heart pea and Rhodochiton plants.
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