Radiant Berries And Ease Of Care - Wintergreen Plant
Add a festive touch to your home with the Wintergreen Plant (Gaultheria procumbens 'Redwood')—a perfect year-round evergreen that brings holiday cheer with its bright red berries and shiny leaves! This low-growing, ground-hugging plant is a standout for its stunning resemblance to Christmas holly. During the holiday season, Wintergreen produces tiny bell-like flowers that turn into vibrant red berries, offering a natural decoration that lasts all winter long. Ideal for ground cover in your garden, it’s also a fabulous addition to your holiday décor indoors or out. The plant continues to delight well past the holidays with its year-round evergreen charm!
Wintergreen Plant Profile
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Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens Redwood
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Common Name(s): Wintergreen, Gaultheria Redwood
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Family: Ericaceae
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Native Range: Eastern North American woodlands (Newfoundland to Manitoba south to Minnesota, Tennessee, Virginia and in the mountains to Georgia and Alabama).
Wintergreen Care Guide
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Care Level: Moderate
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Features: Native, Attracts Birds, Groundcover, Naturalizes, Winter Interest, Evergreen, Rock Gardens
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Light: Prefers moderate to bright, indirect light. Tolerates shade.
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Water: Medium to Low, drought tolerant once established
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Humidity: Moderate to high humidity
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Temperature: Under 80F
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Pruning: Prune as needed to remove brown or dead leaves and control growth
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Propagation: Division or stem cuttings
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Pests: Generally resilient to pests
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Mature Height: 4-6" tall
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Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets. However, with all plants we recommend you exercise caution with children and pets.
- Suggested Use: Ground Cover, native planting, woodland gardens
- Growing Zones: Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8
Fun Fact: Wintergreen’s Sweet Secret!
Did you know Wintergreen leaves are the source of the oil used in many mint-flavored products? Wintergreen oil is naturally minty and was historically used to flavor candies, gum, and even toothpaste!
History of the Wintergreen Plant
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is native to the eastern forests of North America, ranging from Newfoundland to Georgia. Known for its use by Native Americans and early European settlers, Wintergreen has long been treasured for its medicinal properties, especially its leaves, which contain methyl salicylate—a compound similar to aspirin. As a result, the plant was often used to treat aches and pains. Today, Wintergreen's red berries and evergreen foliage make it a beloved plant for both decorative and functional purposes, especially during the winter months.