Mitchella repens
partridge berry
A small, prostrate, evergreen subshrub with creeping stems that root as they go. The small, rounded, dark green leaves often have paler veins; fragrant pink and/or white flowers appear in pairs in early to mid-summer followed by long-lasting red berries which are edible but tasteless
Other common names
boxberrycheckerberry
see morechequerberry
deerberry
foxberry
one-berry
pigeon berry
pudding plum
running box
tea berry
twinberry
two-eye berry
two-eyed berry
winter clover
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green | Red |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Mitchella are creeping, mat-forming evergreens with small, dark, glossy leaves, small, fragrant pink or white flowers and red berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Canada to Guatemala
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by cuttings or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally problem free
Diseases
Generally problem free
Get involved
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