Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | White | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Gaultheria are evergreen, often dioecious, shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and small, bell-shaped white or pink flowers, followed by long lasting fleshy fruits in various colours
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in acidic peaty soils in partial shade. Will tolerate full sun if soil is constantly moist. Remove suckers to restrict growth
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Rooted suckers can be detached and potted up in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.