Species partridge berry
Red fruit with dark-green leaves, green midrib and brown stems

partridge berry

Mitchella repens

Partridge berry, or Mitchella repens, is a small, evergreen groundcover that thrives in partial shade. It has shiny, leathery leaves and is distinctive for its six-petaled white flowers and clusters of bright red berries. Its roots reach deep into the soil, creating a thick mat of foliage, and its sweet berries can be eaten raw or added to pies. While it spreads naturally and is relatively tough, it prefers well-draining soil and is sensitive to drought. Its white flowers and distinct berries make it a great choice for naturalizing a shady garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Stem Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Soil:

Sandy Humus

Fruits:

red Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Partridge berry plants (Mitchella repens) require consistent moisture for optimal health and growth. Water once per week during the spring and summer months when the soil is dry. The soil should be kept evenly moist at the lower levels. Depending on the weather and other conditions, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to twice or even 3 times per week. In the autumn months, reduce the frequency of watering as needed and adjust for light rainfall. During the winter months, water only when the soil becomes dry. When in doubt, err on the side of caution as overwatering can cause root rot.

sunlight

Partridge berry (Mitchella repens) is a low-growing evergreen groundcover that grows best in light to partial shade. It prefers partial shade in the morning and more light in the afternoon. If grown in full sun, partridge berry will need more frequent watering. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight per day, especially in the spring and early summer when the days are shorter and the sunlight is less intense. However, direct sunlight in the middle of the day during the summer can be too much for the plant. The best solution is to provide adequate shade during the hottest part of the day.

pruning

Partridge berry (Mitchella repens) should be pruned lightly right after flowering. Prune back about 1/3 of the plant to remove any dead or damaged stems. This helps the plant stay lush and full. Additionally, Partridge berry can be pruned at any time of the year to encourage more growth and branching. However, it is important to note that too much pruning can worsen the health of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Mitchella repens typically begins in July and continues through September.

Starts Flowering

Mitchella repens typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Mitchella repens typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Mitchella repens typically begins in July and continues through September.

Hardiness Map