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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
boxberry
checkerberry
see morechequerberry
deerberry
foxberry
one-berry
pigeon berry
pudding plum
running box
tea berry
twinberry
two-eye berry
two-eyed berry
winter clover
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rubiaceae
Native to the UK
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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