Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing

Soil

Acidic / Clay / Heavy / Moist

Gaultheria procumbens is a dense evergreen, creeping North American shrub which makes an eye-catching carpet of dark green, red tinted and metallic foliage in winter, complementing its red berries, which nestle among the leaves. It's easy to grow and makes an attractive edging plant for informal paths and wild garden beds. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow Gaultheria procumbens in moist but well-drained, acidic soil in full sun to partial shade. The creeping and suckering stems are easily controlled by chopping through them with a spade once a year.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyes
Divideyesyesyes

Gaultheria and wildlife

Gaultheria has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Gaultheria poisonous?

Gaultheria has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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