Orthilia secunda

RHS Plant Profile
serrated wintergreen

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serrated wintergreen visionspictures.com

Other common names

notch-leaved wintergreen, Yevering bells

Synonyms

Pyrola secunda

Herbaceous Perennial

A delicate, uncommon, native woodlander found mainly in northern Scotland. It spreads through creeping rhizomes, gradually forming groups of dark green leaf rosettes. In summer, produces small, greenish-white, bell-shaped flowers, hanging to one side of a curved, 10-20cm stem

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Found naturally on damp, rocky ledges and in coniferous woods, often in association with heather and bilberry. Needs cool, moist, shady conditions and humus-rich, acid soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or by division once well-established

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free