How to Grow Trailing Arbutus

Trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens) or mayflowers are small woodland plants that grow in acidic soil full of sand or gravel located in the shade of trees. The fragrant, evergreen, leathery leaves form low mats over time in which small fragrant flowers bloom in the early spring. Growing trailing arbutus involves replicating the native conditions, including the soil type. Since transplanting almost always fails, start your mayflowers from seed.

Peat moss
Perlite
Seedling mix
Planting tray
Plastic bag
Fertilizer for acid plants

Instructions

- 1
  Start the seeds indoors in a mixture of equal parts of peat moss, perlite and seedling mix in a tray with individual compartments. Dampen the mixture and sprinkle the seeds on the surface. Cover the entire tray with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the tray in a sunny spot where it will get sunlight for at least eight hours a day, adding artificial light if necessary.
- 2
  Remove the plastic bag when the leaves emerge. Water the seedlings only when the surface of the soil is dry. Fertilize biweekly with a dilute fertilizer made for acid-loving plants at a rate of 1/2 tsp. to 1 gallon of water.
- 3
  Bring the plants outside in the early spring when the danger of frost has passed. Keep a floating row cover over the seedlings to protect them from the direct light.
- 4
  Transplant the seedlings into their permanent home after they acclimate to being outside. Plant them near the base of a tree on a north- or east-facing slope in a thick layer of decomposing plant material. Do not disturb the roots as you bury the plug of soil surrounding them.
- 5
  Water the seedlings immediately after planting and then as needed to keep the soil damp for six weeks. If the conditions are right, the plant will take to its new home and slowly grow and spread.

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