Wintergreen - Gaultheria procumbens (25 seeds)

Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens

Wintergreen, also known as Eastern Teaberry or Checkerberry, is a charming low-growing evergreen groundcover native to the forest floors of eastern North America. It produces glossy, leathery, dark green aromatic leaves that turn rich burgundy in cooler months, delicate white bell-shaped flowers in early summer, and vivid bright red berries with the distinctive, refreshing wintergreen flavour that was the original source of wintergreen flavouring in teas, confectionery, and herbal remedies. A beautiful and versatile plant with year-round appeal in the woodland or shade garden.

Spreading slowly via underground rhizomes to form an attractive weed-suppressing mat, Wintergreen thrives in acidic, moist, well-drained soil in shade to part shade. It pairs naturally with rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberries, and suits woodland gardens, rock gardens, and shaded borders. Seeds require cold stratification and surface sowing as they need light to germinate.

Planting Season: Spring
Sow: Cold stratify 4–10 weeks; surface sow, do not cover — seeds require light to germinate
Spacing: 30–45 cm apart; spreads over time via rhizomes
Height: 10–15 cm; low creeping groundcover
Germination: 4–8 weeks after stratification; keep surface moist in a bright, shaded position
Flowering: Early summer; red berries follow and persist through autumn and winter
Flavour: Leaves and berries: refreshing wintergreen; edible and aromatic

25 seeds