Gaultheria procumbens – Wintergreen

Wintergreen is a treasure of our woodlands, an evergreen groundcover that offers a discreet but constant show all year round. It weaves a carpet of glossy, dark green leaves that take on rich burgundy hues in winter and release a characteristic minty fragrance when crushed. In early summer, delicate bell-shaped flowers give way to bright scarlet red berries. These decorative and edible fruits persist all winter, like little lanterns on the snow.

Characteristics

• Foliage: The foliage is evergreen, leathery, rounded, and very glossy. Dark green during the growing season, it acquires superb shades of bronze and burgundy with the arrival of cold weather. The leaves are very aromatic, releasing a strong scent of wintergreen/spearmint when crushed.
• Flowering / Fruiting: Small, white to pinkish, bell-shaped flowers appear in early summer. They are followed by the formation of highly decorative scarlet red berries in the fall. These edible, mint-flavoured fruits persist for much of the winter.
• Light: Thrives in part shade or full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun if the soil remains consistently moist.
• Habit: Adopts a mat-forming, creeping habit. It spreads slowly by underground stems (rhizomes) to form a dense, low groundcover.
• Growth: Slow-growing, it reaches only 10 to 15 cm (4-6 in) in height but will spread to form beautiful colonies over time.
• Soil: Essential: requires acidic, humus-rich, cool, and well-drained soil. It will not survive in alkaline or heavy clay soil.
• Temperature: Perfectly hardy and native to Quebec, it is adapted to the coldest winters without any difficulty.
• Resistance: Good resistance to White-tailed deer and rabbits.

Use

• Types of Use: An excellent groundcover for shady, acidic areas, such as woodlands, under rhododendrons and azaleas, or in natural-style gardens. Also works wonderfully in containers and window boxes for winter interest.
• Decorative Advantages: Offers remarkable four-season interest: aromatic evergreen foliage, delicate flowers, long-lasting bright red berries, and a superb winter foliage colour.

Care

• Watering: Water regularly to maintain cool, evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells and while establishing.
• Fertilization: No fertilization is required. A mulch of shredded leaves or forest compost is very beneficial.
• Pruning: No pruning is necessary.
• Planting: Plant in soil amended with peat moss or forest compost to ensure the necessary acidity and moisture retention.
• Winter Protection: No protection is necessary. A natural snow cover is ideal.