Contents
Description
Epigaea repens is a low-growing evergreen plant that is native to North America. It is commonly known as Mayflower, trailing arbutus, or ground laurel. This plant is famous for its pink or white fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring, and it is a member of the heath family. The leaves are dark green, shiny, and leathery, and the stems are woody and covered in fine hairs. The plant’s roots spread horizontally, making it an excellent ground cover.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Epigaea |
Appearance
Epigaea repens is a low-growing plant that can grow up to 6 inches tall and spread up to 24 inches wide. It has dark green, shiny, and leathery leaves that are about 1-3 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. The leaves are oval-shaped, and the edges are smooth. The flowers are pink or white, about 0.5 inches wide, and bloom in the spring. The plant’s fruit is a small, red berry that is about 0.25 inches wide.
Care Guide
Epigaea repens is an easy plant to care for and maintain. Here are some tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering once a week is usually sufficient.
- Fertilization: Use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: Epigaea repens prefers acidic, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial to full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Epigaea repens grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Epigaea repens is relatively disease-resistant, but it can still fall prey to some pests and diseases:
- Spider mites: They can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Use an insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
- Root rot: This can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Habitat
Epigaea repens is native to North America and can be found in the eastern United States and Canada. It prefers to grow in wooded areas, on rocky slopes, and in sandy soils. It is commonly found growing alongside other plants such as blueberries, ferns, and wildflowers.
Question and Answer
Here are some common questions and answers related to Epigaea repens:
- What is the best time to plant Epigaea repens?
The best time to plant Epigaea repens is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the soil is moist. - How often should I fertilize Epigaea repens?
You should fertilize Epigaea repens once a year in the spring using a slow-release fertilizer. - What is the ideal pH for Epigaea repens?
Epigaea repens prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. - Can Epigaea repens be grown in containers?
Yes, Epigaea repens can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s spreading roots.
Related Plants
- Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)
- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry)
- Rhododendron maximum (Great Laurel)
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=EPRE
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/trailing-arbutus/trailing-arbutus-care.htm
- https://www.thespruce.com/trailing-arbutus-plant-profile-4767326
