Mitchella undulata
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
Mitchella undulata is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Woody hillsides on sandy substrates.
E. Asia - Japan, S. Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit. Not very well-flavoured.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
Can be used as a ground cover plant in a shady position. Especially good on a peat terrace or in a woodland. Plants form a spreading carpet, rooting along the stems, and are best spaced about 30cm apart each way.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Requires a moist but well-drained lime-free soil and some shade. Prefers a peaty soil, succeeding in neutral to acid soils.
Propagating it: Seed - it germinates better if given 3 months cold stratification and so it is best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Make sure that all the fruit pulp is removed from the seed because it contains germination inhibitors. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of naturally layered stems in the spring. Cuttings.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist