Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) requires the same strongly acidic, humus-rich, moisture-retentive conditions as blueberry — a pH of 4.5–5.5 is essential. The plant fails completely in alkaline soils. Grow in partial to full shade under acid-loving trees such as pine, oak, or rhododendron in a woodland-style setting. Incorporate large amounts of pine bark, peat, or decomposed leaf mould into the planting area. Space plants 30–45 cm apart; they slowly spread by underground runners to form a low mat (10–15 cm tall). Keep consistently moist — wintergreen is susceptible to drought. Feed annually with an ericaceous fertiliser in early spring. Container growing in ericaceous compost in semi-shaded positions is very effective. The plant produces small white urn-shaped flowers in midsummer followed by the persistent bright red berries that remain decorative through winter into the following spring.