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Epigaea repens
Epigaea repens
Epigaea repens
Epigaea repens

Epigaea repens

TAXONOMY

FamilyEricaceae
GenusEpigaea
Zone3

ABOUT

Epigaea repens, commonly known as trailing arbutus or mayflower, is a low-growing, evergreen subshrub native to North America. It is part of the Ericaceae family and thrives in temperate climates. This plant is known for its fragrant, pink or white flowers that bloom in early spring. It typically grows in woodland areas with acidic soil.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Trailing Arbutus
Epigaea repens f. plena
Epigaea repens f. repens
Epigaea repens f. rosea
Epigaea repens f. rubicunda
Epigaea repens var. glabrifolia
Epigaea repens var. repens
Epigaea repens var. rubicunda
Epigaea rubicunda

OVERVIEW

WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature15° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH4.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

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DETAILS

Care Instructions
Trailing arbutus prefers moderate temperatures and indirect bright light. It thrives in environments with moderate humidity and should be kept evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely. This plant does best outdoors in a temperate climate.
Soil
Epigaea repens prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a high organic matter content. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. It thrives in acidic conditions with a pH around 4.5.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize sparingly, as this plant does not require heavy feeding. Apply fertilizer in early spring before the blooming period.
Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for trailing arbutus, as it prefers to grow in the ground. However, if grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth.
Propagation
Propagate Epigaea repens through semi-hardwood cuttings or by layering. The best time to propagate is in late spring or early summer. Ensure the cuttings are kept in a humid environment until roots develop.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically required for this plant. However, you can trim back any dead or damaged branches after the flowering period to maintain its shape and health.
Toxicity
Epigaea repens is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to avoid any potential issues.
Additional
Trailing arbutus is a slow-growing plant that can be challenging to establish. It benefits from a mulch of pine needles or leaf litter to maintain soil moisture and acidity. Patience is key when growing this plant, as it may take several years to fully establish and bloom.
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