Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)
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Vigorous, award-winning Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen) is a low-growing, spreading, evergreen shrub boasting prostrate stems bearing clusters of lustrous, rounded, leathery leaves that turn reddish in winter. Bruised or crushed leaves exude a wintergreen fragrance. In summer, small, nodding, bell-shaped white or pinkish flowers appear in the leaf axils. They are followed by edible scarlet berries that persist through winter and are excellent winter food for wildlife. The plant will spread indefinitely over time to form an attractive ground cover. Perfect for shady areas.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 3-6 in. tall (7-15 cm).
- A part shade to full shade lover, this plant is best grown in organically rich, evenly moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Plants perform best in climates with cool summers. Tolerates some dry soils once established.
- Perfect for beds and borders, banks and slopes, city gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens or containers. Great shrub for shade or woodland gardens.
- Excellent resistance to pests and diseases.
- Prune immediately after flowering.
- Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Native to Eastern North America.
Buy Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Dry Soil |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
By Natalia Greeske, Roel Meijer, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Dry Soil |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |