Photo courtesy of Spotswood Greenery
Photo courtesy of Spotswood Greenery
Photo courtesy of Spotswood Greenery
Gaultheria procumbens
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Glossy evergreen leaves release a sharp wintergreen scent when crushed, and the plant carries bright red berries through winter that smell and taste the same way. Gaultheria procumbens is a native groundcover growing 3 to 6 inches tall and spreading 6 to 12 inches in part sun, hardy from Zone 3 through Zone 8.
Small white bell-shaped flowers open in summer, followed by the berries, which hold from fall right through to spring.
The foliage turns reddish-purple in cold weather and stays on the plant, so this is one of the few groundcovers that gives you something to look at in January.
Wintergreen grows wild on the floor of acidic woodlands, so it wants acidic soil rich in organic matter, steady moisture, and shade from hot afternoon sun. It spreads slowly by runners into a low mat. The berries are edible and were the original source of wintergreen flavoring. Deer leave it alone.
Height 3"- 6" Spread 6"- 12"
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8
Lowest Temperatures -40°F to -30°F
Part sun - 4 to 6 hours of direct sun, with some afternoon sun
AL, CT, DC, DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Fragrant
