Madeira vine or Anredera cordifolia is a handsome climbing plant that produces long clusters of pleasantly scented white flowers from July to October. It grows rapidly and forms lush growth, with thick, dark green, glossy leaves, semi-evergreen. Madeira vine is also valued in cooking for its edible tubercles. Easy to grow but quite tender. In this guide find all our tips to protect it from cold in winter!
Madeira vine, a not very hardy plant
Madeira vine is an exotic plant native to South America and has naturalised in Asia and southern Europe. It is hardy to about -8 °C, and can be left in ground in regions with mild climate (Mediterranean basin, Atlantic coast…) but needs protection in winter in regions with harsher climate. Bear in mind that growing conditions affect cold tolerance: a plant grown in a pot is more tender than one in ground. Similarly, sensitivity to cold is greater in heavy, wet soil than in free-draining soil where water does not stagnate.
Madeira vine is a semi-evergreen plant: in frost-free climates leaves persist through winter, while in cold climates foliage dies back. Do not worry if you see leaves browning and drying in autumn — this is perfectly normal. Most important is to protect tubercles, key to survival.
When planting, we advise placing this plant in a sunny spot sheltered from wind. Similarly, if grown in a pot, place it against a south-facing wall, where it will be relatively protected from cold and wind.
How to protect a Madeira vine grown in ground?
If you grow Madeira vine in ground, here are some tips to protect it from cold:
- In autumn, reduce watering to prepare plant to enter dormancy, then stop watering.
- Prune dry leaves to concentrate plant's energy on healthy parts. If all foliage has dried, you can prune plant back to base.
- Protect tubercles, crucial for survival, by installing a thick layer of mulch at plant base: use dead leaves or straw, which will retain soil heat. You can also install wire mesh around plant and fill it with dead leaves. Mesh will keep leaves in place, maintaining good depth.
- You can also lift tubercles in autumn to store them frost-free, then replant in spring. Use opportunity to divide them and obtain new plants.
How to protect a Madeira vine grown in a pot?
Madeira vines in pots are more vulnerable to cold than those planted in ground. Here’s how to protect them during winter months:
- Prune dried leaves in autumn.
- Before first frosts, move pot under cover, for example into a greenhouse or conservatory.
- In mild-climate regions, simply move pot to shelter from wind, for example against a house wall, add a good layer of mulch, and wrap pot with insulating materials (bubble wrap, jute cloth, old blanket…). We also advise slightly elevating it, for example on small wooden blocks. This will protect tubercles from cold.
- Being semi-evergreen, if plant retains foliage, space out watering; if all leaves have dried, stop watering altogether, as plant is in dormancy. Excess moisture could cause roots to rot.
- Another solution is to lift tubercles (you can divide them while doing so): store in a dry, dark and well-ventilated place, then replant in spring.
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