Gaultheria – 10 cm

Gaultheria, commonly known as Wintergreen or Creeping Snowberry, is a charming evergreen ground cover plant admired for its glossy, dark green leaves and striking red berries. Ideal for adding year-round interest to gardens, this compact plant features small, bell-shaped white or pink flowers in late spring to early summer, which develop into vibrant red berries that persist into winter. Its dense, creeping habit makes it perfect for ground cover, edging, or filling in shaded areas.

Best Position: Plant Gaultheria in a partially shaded to shady spot with well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. It thrives in cool, moist conditions and is ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or under trees. It is well-suited to acidic soils commonly found in acid-loving plant areas.

Height: This low-growing plant reaches an approximate height of 15-20 cm and spreads gradually, making it excellent for ground cover or container planting.

When to Prune: Minimal pruning is needed. Lightly trim in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and maintain a tidy appearance.

When to Feed: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and berry production.

Flowering Time: Expect small white or pink flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by glossy red berries that last through winter, adding seasonal interest and color to your garden.