Partridge Berry

Partridge Berry For Sale

Partridge Berry, also known as Mitchella repens, is seen as a must-have in gardens for several reasons. It is an effective low groundcover and produces bright red berries amongst its evergreen foliage that persist throughout the winter. It is native to North America and has a long traditional history due to its medicinal properties. It can be found creeping along in woodland ecosystems, favoring shaded forests among trees. This groundcover is a triple threat of beauty: lovely foliage, adorable flowers, and gorgeous, bold berries.

Partridge Berry Plant Details

Family: Rubiaceae

 Light Requirement: Partial shade – Full shade

Water Needs: Moderate Height: 1-2 in.

Spread: 6-12 in.

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Late Spring – Early Summer

Flower Color: White and pink that turn into red berries

Wildlife Value: Produces food for birds and mammals, flowers attract pollinators, and provide shelter for small creatures.

While Partridge Berry is known for its eye-catching bright red berries that persist throughout winter, lovely flowers form first in the late summer. Each berry forms from a pair of fuzzy pinkish-white tubular flowers that give way to this critical animal food source. Particularly in the winter when food sources are scarce, birds rely on the fruits of this native groundcover to persist in the harsh cold months. Truly playing a critical role in the natural ecosystem, the beryy flowers also attract pollinators in the summer months. It prefers acidic, well-drained soils like most woodland plants. It has a natural resistance against diseases and pests.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance 

Upon planting, be sure to water regularly. Once established, this groundcover is amazingly low-maintenance. You can sit back and watch the beauty of its fruiting cycle and the balance it brings to the native ecosystem. Over time, this plant will form a charming carpet of green over a barren landscape. It is non-aggressive and can be planted among other perennials as well.

Noteworthy Characteristics 

This plant is botanically unique as its fruit forms from pairings of two flowers that merge rather than from a single bloom. All parts of this plant are dainty, with its glossy oval-shaped leaves complementing small flowers and berries. Shop for Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens) online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with groundcover plants.