Gaultheria procumbens

Available mid May

Gaultheria procumbens
Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens, commonly called wintergreen, is a creeping, woody, evergreen groundcover that is native to woodlands in Eastern North America. Erect stems have small glossy, leathery, leaves that rise up from the rhizomes to 15 centimetres tall. Plants will spread over time to form an attractive ground cover. Waxy, nodding, bell-shaped, white flowers bloom from the leaf axils in early summer (June-July). Flowers give way to small, edible bright red berries that persist through winter. The leaves acquire shades of purple in fall. Leaves and fruit have the aroma and taste of wintergreen. The berries are a good source of winter food for wildlfe.

  • Height: 8- 15 cm (3-6 in)
  • Spread: 13-30 cm (5-12 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 3-8
  • Sun or Shade: part shade to shade
  • Bloom Time: early summer to early fall
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: white
  • Critter Resistance: deer and rabbits
  • Nature Attraction: birds, squirrels and chipmunks

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Gaultheria procumbens is a low growing creeping plant that it native to North American woods. Give it a shady but bright spot with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. These plants do not like hot, humid conditions, suffer in drought and dislike overly wet, boggy soils. It also has few pest or disease issues, partly due to the pungent oils the crushed leaves and berries emit.

 

 

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