Partridge Berry - Mitchella repens

Partridge Berry Plant - Mitchella Repens

Bare Roots will be ready in April for pick up or shipping

Phonetic: my-CHEL-luh REE-penz

At only two inches tall Partridge Berry is an ideal ground cover for those wishing to fill undisturbed shady locations. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil but once established is partially drought resistant.  It produces a red fruit, that while edible, is mostly flavorless.  These fruits can last through the season adding a nice dash of color to the winter landscape.   

• Hardiness: 3-8
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to shade 
• Flower Color: Pink, white
• Bloom Time: May, June, July 
• Soil Type: Dry - moist 
• Mature Plant Size: 2''H, 1'W
• Plant Spacing: 1'
• Attracts: Birds, small mammals 
• Advantages: Produces edible fruit, fragrant, drought tolerant, attracts birds
• Landscape Uses: ground cover, woodland gardens, rock gardens
• Companion Plants: Blood root, Fringed bleeding heart, Wild geranium

Patridge Berry Plant in its First Few Years

Partridge berry plant, like many native perennials, spends its early years building healthy roots before reaching its full potential.

• First year: Most of the plant's energy goes into establishing strong roots. You may notice steady but modest growth as it settles into its new location.
• Second year: As the root system becomes more established, you'll typically see more trailing stems and some small white flowers, followed by the bright red berries. The plant begins to knit together into a more continuous groundcover.
• Mature growth: Over time, the partridge berry plant gradually spreads to form dense mats of glossy evergreen foliage.
• Long-term performance: With the right growing conditions, it can thrive for many years. It does not need a lot of replacement; it slowly and neatly expands into a low-maintenance woodland planting. It blooms in late spring or early summer, and during winter, it retains its bright red berries and evergreen foliage.

Explore organically-grown plants and create a beautiful landscape with Bagley Pond Perennials. Get in touch to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can partridge berry be planted beneath mature trees?

Yes. Its naturally shallow growth habit makes it a perfect plant to grow beneath mature trees without competing for space.

Does the plant keep its leaves during winter?

Yes. Its leaves remain green even through colder months, even when many other woodland plants have gone dormant. The bright red berries also often remain on the plant well into winter.

Does partridge berry attract pollinators even though it grows in shade?

Yes. Its small flowers still provide nectar for many native pollinators in woodland environments, helping support biodiversity in shaded gardens.

Does it spread quickly?

No. Partridge berry is a slow-growing groundcover that spreads slowly through trailing stems that root as they grow.

Does the plant require frequent fertilizing?

No. Partridge berry generally performs best in organically rich woodland soils and rarely needs fertilizer once established. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive leafy growth instead of the balanced, natural growth habit.