Plant Profile: Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)
If you’re looking for a festive, low-growing evergreen to brighten up your winter containers or holiday displays, Gaultheria procumbens, commonly known as Wintergreen, is a true seasonal gem. Its rich green foliage, bright red berries, and subtle fragrance make it a favorite for holiday décor and a surprisingly tough native groundcover once the decorations come down.
About Wintergreen
Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens
Common Name: Wintergreen, Eastern Teaberry
Classification: Evergreen groundcover shrub
Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
Mature Size: 4–6 inches tall, spreading slowly to about 12 inches wide
Native to eastern North America, this charming woodland plant thrives in cool, acidic soils and shady conditions—much like azaleas and rhododendrons. Its glossy green leaves often develop deep burgundy tones in cold weather, providing beautiful year-round interest. In summer, tiny white, bell-shaped flowers appear, followed by cheerful red berries that persist through winter.
Planting & Care Tips
Soil: Wintergreen prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. A peat- or bark-based soil mix works well for container plantings.
Light: Plant in dappled sunlight or part shade. Too much sun can scorch the leaves, while deep shade may reduce flowering and berry production.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist, especially in the first year after planting. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Maintenance: Very low-maintenance once established. Trim lightly in spring to maintain shape if needed. Mulch to keep roots cool and preserve moisture.
Wintergreen is slow-growing but rewards patience with a dense, mat-forming habit that suppresses weeds and adds a pop of color to shaded garden beds or underplantings of larger shrubs and trees.
Holiday Uses
Wintergreen’s naturally festive appearance has made it a holiday favorite. The combination of deep green foliage and bright red berries perfectly complements wreaths, centerpieces, porch pots, and mantel arrangements. Designers often tuck potted Gaultheria into winter containers alongside evergreens, pinecones, or twigs for a classic woodland look.
Because it’s a living plant—not just a cut decoration—Wintergreen offers the added benefit of longevity. After the holidays, you can plant it in the garden or keep it as a houseplant in a cool, bright location until spring.
