Gaultheria procumbens
Best low-maintenance ground cover for gardeners seeking year-round landscape interest.
Gaultheria procumbens, or Creeping Wintergreen, is a charming evergreen ground cover that offers year-round appeal. Its glossy, dark green leaves turn a striking burgundy in autumn, complemented by delicate white and pink flowers in spring. Bright scarlet fruits appear midsummer and persist through winter, adding a vibrant splash of color. This aromatic native plant thrives in light to medium shade, preferring acidic, moist soil. It spreads to form an attractive, low-growing carpet, making it a delightful addition to any garden landscape.
$16.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
Genus
Gaultheria
/ Gaultheria
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant winter color in dormant landscapes
- Sensory gardeners who enjoy aromatic, fragrant plant varieties
- Landscapers needing reliable groundcover for deep, shaded areas
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners looking for rapid, full-coverage groundcover
- Homeowners with alkaline or heavy clay soil conditions
- Gardeners in hot, dry climates without consistent irrigation
Performance breakdown
Seasonal Versatility
Provides consistent visual interest from spring blooms through winter berries.
Groundcover Efficacy
Spreads reliably to create a dense, weed-suppressing carpet.
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in low-light conditions where many other plants struggle.
Native Adaptability
Well-suited for eastern U.S. climates with minimal maintenance requirements.
Soil Specificity
Requires acidic, moist conditions to truly reach its full potential.
Aromatic Appeal
Fragrant foliage adds a sensory layer to garden pathways.
Key Specs
Genus
Gaultheria
Species
procumbens
Item Form
1-Quart
Hardiness Zones
3 - 8
Bloom Color
Pink, White
Foliage Color
Dark Green, Burgundy
Mature Height
6 inches
Mature Spread
3 Feet
Features
- Evergreen foliage for year-round appeal.
- Burgundy fall color adds seasonal beauty.
- Fragrant leaves release a pleasant aroma.
- Bright scarlet fruits provide winter interest.
- Forms an attractive ground cover.
- Blooms with white and pink flowers.
- Native to the eastern United States.
- Adds multi-seasonal garden interest.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Gaultheria procumbens upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note that the plants arrive healthy, well packaged, and ready for immediate planting. The primary theme is reliability; once established, the wintergreen proves hardy and spreads effectively, providing reliable groundcover and attractive winter color. Consumers feel confident in the plant's ability to thrive, making it a worthwhile investment for shaded garden areas. This plant offers excellent value and dependable performance for your garden.
Know before you buy
Yes, this plant prefers acidic, loamy soil that stays consistently moist. If your garden soil is neutral or alkaline, you may need to amend it with peat moss or pine needles to lower the pH.
This plant performs best in partial to full shade. It is an excellent choice for woodland gardens or areas under tree canopies where direct, intense sunlight is limited.
Yes, it has a creeping growth habit and can spread up to 3 feet wide. Because it stays low to the ground at about 6 inches tall, it is ideal for creating a dense, evergreen carpet.
While the berries are technically edible and known for their distinct wintergreen flavor, they are primarily valued for their ornamental appeal. We recommend enjoying them for their vibrant winter color rather than as a food source.
Gaultheria procumbens is very cold-hardy and thrives in zones 3 through 8. Its evergreen foliage and persistent winter fruits are specifically adapted to maintain interest even in freezing temperatures.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$17