Key Facts
- Low evergreen groundcover with trailing stems
- Native to eastern North America and parts of Canada
- Small white to pink urn shaped flowers appear in spring
- Shiny red berries follow flowers and have a wintergreen flavor
- Prefers acidic, humus rich soils and consistent moisture
- Typically grown in shade or partial shade
- Used ornamentally in rock gardens and as a woodland groundcover
- Contains methyl salicylate which is the source of wintergreen oil
Wintergreen is a low evergreen groundcover grown for glossy leaves, small urn shaped flowers in spring and shiny red teaberries. It works well in shady rock gardens and woodland plantings but prefers acidic, humus rich soil and steady moisture.
Identification
Gaultheria procumbens grows 2 to 8 inches tall with trailing stems that form a mat 12 to 24 inches wide. Flowers are small, white to pink and urn shaped in spring, followed by bright red berries with a wintergreen flavor.
Where to grow, best uses
Use Wintergreen as a woodland groundcover or in rock garden pockets where there is part shade to full shade. It is native to eastern North America and parts of Canada so it performs naturally in shaded, cool moist sites.
Hardiness and size
Hardy to USDA zones 3 to 8. Plants remain very low to the ground and spread by trailing stems to form colonies, making them useful for stabilizing soil on shady slopes and filling gaps under trees and shrubs.
Soil and light
Prefers acidic, humus rich soil that stays evenly moist but drains well, with a pH around 4.5 to 6.5. Avoid alkaline or waterlogged sites. Best performance is in part shade to full shade and it tolerates morning sun if soil remains cool.
Planting and spacing
Space plants to allow a mature spread of about 12 to 24 inches so colonies can form without overcrowding. Plant at the same depth as nursery containers and work organic matter into the planting area to maintain humus rich conditions.
Watering and care
Keep soil consistently moist for steady growth. Plants that dry out will decline quickly while waterlogged soil reduces vigor. Minimal pruning is required, and occasional addition of leaf mold or compost helps maintain the acidic humus Wintergreen prefers.
After flowering and fruit
Flowers in spring around May to June in many temperate locations and are followed by red berries. Berries are ornamental and attract wildlife, and colonies often persist year to year without heavy maintenance.
Propagation and controlling spread
Propagate by seed, division, stem cuttings, or layering. Seed is slow to establish while division and semi hardwood cuttings root more quickly. To limit naturalizing, lift and divide clumps or use edging to contain trailing stems.
Toxicity
Leaves and berries contain methyl salicylate which is the source of wintergreen oil. Berries have been eaten in small amounts historically but concentrated wintergreen oil is toxic to humans and pets. Keep essential oils away from children and animals and verify pet toxicity with local veterinary poison control if needed.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Wintergreen grow?
- Growth is gradual. Plants spread by trailing stems to form a mat over time rather than producing rapid vertical growth.
- Can I eat the berries?
- Berries have been eaten in small amounts historically but the plant contains methyl salicylate. Avoid large ingestion and check reliable toxicology sources before using as food.
- Is Wintergreen invasive?
- It is not generally listed as invasive but it does form colonies and can spread under shaded, moist conditions. Control spread with division or physical edging.
- What soil pH does Wintergreen prefer?
- About pH 4.5 to 6.5. Acidic, humus rich soil that remains evenly moist produces the best results.
- How do I propagate Wintergreen?
- Common methods include seed, division, stem cuttings and layering. Division and cuttings establish faster than seed.
- When does Wintergreen bloom?
- Flowers appear in spring, typically around May to June in the Northern Hemisphere, with berries developing after bloom.
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