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Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen, Checkerberry)

Gaultheria procumbens Gaultheria procumbens Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Bluestone Perennials


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens Common Name: Wintergreen, Checkerberry Genus: Gaultheria
This creeping, rhizomatous shrublet grows to 6 inches, with scalloped or bristly toothed, glossy, dark green leaves. Foliage has a strong wintergreen scent when crushed. Urn-shaped white or pale pink flowers appear in summer and mature to aromatic scarlet fruit that often persists into the following spring.
 Noteworthy characteristics: This native of eastern North America is suitable for woodland plantings, rock gardens, or heather gardens. Edible fruits.
 Care: Grow in acidic to neutral, peaty, moist soil in partial shade. Tolerates full sun if soil is permanently moist.
 Propagation: From semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or remove rooted suckers in spring.
 Problems: Black mildew, powdery mildew, leaf gall, fungal spots.
Height 6 in. to 12 in.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Light Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Characteristics Fragrant Foliage; Native; Showy Fruit
Bloom Time Summer
Foliage Color Evergreen
Flower Color Pink Flower; White Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders
Style , Rock Garden, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest , Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Shrubs

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