White Flower Farm
Gaultheria procumbens
Best low-maintenance ground cover for shaded, acidic garden landscapes.
Gaultheria procumbens, or Wintergreen, is a charming evergreen ground cover native to eastern North America. It offers year-round appeal with glossy green leaves that turn reddish in winter and bright red berries persisting from July through April. Crushing the leaves or berries releases a distinct, refreshing wintergreen scent. Small white or blush pink flowers bloom in spring. This slow-growing plant spreads gradually via rhizomes, thriving in moist, acidic soil and partial to full shade. It's an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner, perfect for adding subtle fragrance and seasonal interest to your garden.
$20.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
834
/ 3029
#834 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
SKU
62236
/ S
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking year-round color in dormant landscapes
- Landscapers managing difficult, shaded, and acidic garden patches
- Sensory gardeners who enjoy fragrant, interactive plant life
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners looking for rapid, full-coverage results
- Homeowners with alkaline or heavy clay soil conditions
- Gardeners struggling with poor drainage or compacted soil
Performance breakdown
Seasonal Versatility
Provides consistent visual interest from spring blooms through winter berries.
Maintenance Ease
Slow-growing habit requires minimal intervention once established in the landscape.
Wildlife Appeal
Persistent red berries serve as a reliable food source for birds.
Fragrance Impact
Distinct wintergreen scent adds a sensory layer to garden pathways.
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in low-light conditions where many other ground covers struggle.
Growth Predictability
Gradual rhizomatous spread ensures controlled coverage without becoming overly invasive.
Key Specs
SKU
S62236
Mature Height
4-6 inches
Mature Spread
42 inches
Spacing
24 inches
Ships as
ONE QUART POT
Soil pH requirement
5.5 to 6.5 (acidic)
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-8
Sun Exposure
Part Shade to Full Shade
Features
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round color.
- Fragrant leaves and berries release wintergreen scent.
- Persistent red berries offer winter interest.
- Leaves turn attractive reddish hues in winter.
- Spreads gradually to form a dense ground cover.
- Winner of RHS Award of Garden Merit.
- Attracts birds with persistent berries.
- Low maintenance, seldom needs fertilizer.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Gaultheria procumbens upon arrival. Reviewers note the plants are robust, well rooted, and meticulously packaged, ensuring minimal stress during shipping. The primary theme is reliability; these plants establish quickly and thrive, providing beautiful groundcover and berries as expected. While the price point is higher, consumers feel the superior health and successful growth justify the investment, leading to strong overall satisfaction with the nursery stock.
Know before you buy
Yes, this plant requires acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It performs best in moist, well-draining soil, so ensure your planting site mimics these woodland conditions.
We recommend spacing plants 24 inches apart. Because it spreads gradually via rhizomes, this spacing allows the plants to eventually knit together into a dense, uniform carpet.
Wintergreen is best suited for partial to full shade. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch the foliage, so it is better to place it under the canopy of trees or in a shaded corner of your landscape.
The scent is subtle and is primarily released when the leaves or berries are crushed or brushed against. It is a lovely, aromatic addition to garden paths or areas where you might walk past and gently disturb the foliage.
It is a low-maintenance plant that rarely requires fertilizer. Simply ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during dry spells, to keep the foliage and berries looking their best.
Yes, the bright red berries are persistent and typically last from July through April. They provide excellent visual interest during the winter months and are a helpful food source for local birds.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$20