Partridgeberry Plant Care
Mitchella repens L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Mitchella repens is the best known plant in the genus Mitchella. It is a creeping prostrate herbaceous woody shrub occurring in North America belonging to the madder family (Rubiaceae).
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Partridgeberry?
Water Partridgeberry every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Partridgeberry?
Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Mitchella genus. Partridgeberry is also known as Wintergreen, Squawberry, Two-eyed berry.
Partridgeberry displays a low-growing, creeping groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Partridgeberry produces small white fragrant flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Partridgeberry?
Mitchella repens requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Partridgeberry Need?
Partridgeberry thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Partridgeberry in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Partridgeberry Prefer?
Mitchella repens grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Partridgeberry prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Partridgeberry?
Rich, acidic soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Partridgeberry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Partridgeberry?
Feed Partridgeberry every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Partridgeberry?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Partridgeberry?
Partridgeberry can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Partridgeberry Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Partridgeberry, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Partridgeberry?
Partridgeberry is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Partridgeberry Need?
Partridgeberry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Partridgeberry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Partridgeberry is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Mitchella genus — compare its care with other Mitchella species on PlantoScan.
Mitchella is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.
Partridgeberry copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Mitchella repens L., family Rubiaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 111 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Partridgeberry, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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