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Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)

Mitchella repens, commonly known as Partridgeberry, is a low-growing evergreen perennial groundcover with fragrant white flowers and bright red berries.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers partial to full shade.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist.

Soil

Requires acidic, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Temperature

Ideal growing range for active growth.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding in spring.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers partial to full shade.

Avoid direct hot sun.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist.

Avoid complete drying out.

Soil

Requires acidic, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Temperature

Ideal growing range for active growth.

Can tolerate cooler temperatures when dormant.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding in spring.

Avoid over-fertilization.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Creeper

Plant Category

Flowering, Foliage, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Groundcover

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.1-0.2 m

Spread

0.5-1 m

Growth Rate

Slow

Dormancy

Semi-evergreen to evergreen

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Opposite, ovate to nearly round

Flower Size

1-1.5 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Dec
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths69
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · SepPeak fruit · Dec
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths69
Synonyms
Disperma repens J.F.Gmel.
Perdicesca repens (L.) Prov.
Perdicesea repens (L.) Prov.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderGentianales
  • familyRubiaceae
  • genusMitchella
  • speciesMitchella repens
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Yes

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during dry spells. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this plant prefers humid conditions.

Pruning is generally not required. Remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain appearance. Can be trimmed lightly to control spread if necessary.

Easily propagated by stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Division of established clumps in spring is also effective. Seeds can be sown but are slow to germinate.

Repotting is rarely necessary for groundcover plantings. For container-grown plants, repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh, acidic potting mix.

FAQs

How often should I water Partridgeberry?

Keep the soil consistently moist, watering whenever the top inch feels dry. Avoid letting it dry out completely, especially during hot weather.

What kind of light does Mitchella repens need?

Partridgeberry thrives in partial to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun but should be protected from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves.

Can Partridgeberry be grown in containers?

Yes, Partridgeberry can be grown in containers, provided they have good drainage and are kept in a shaded location with consistent moisture.

When does Partridgeberry bloom and produce berries?

It typically blooms in late spring to early summer with small white flowers, followed by bright red, edible berries that persist through fall and winter.

Is Partridgeberry poisonous to pets or humans?

No, Partridgeberry is not considered poisonous to pets or humans. The berries are edible, though not particularly flavorful.