Gaultheria

This group consists of 150 fragrant, evergreen shrubs native to the Andes, North America, Australasia, and eastern Asia. These shrubs produce tufts of shiny or leathery, oval leaves and, in late spring or early summer, pendant, white, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are followed by fleshy, red or black fruit. G. procumbens (Checkerberry; Teaberry; Wintergreen) is a hardy, creeping shrub that forms mats of dark green leaves that turn purple in the autumn. The white to pink-tinged flowers are followed in the fall, by fragrant, edible, bright red berries. G. shallon (Salal; Shallon) is a small, vigorous growing shrub that grows from 5 to 6 feet high in good conditions or, in poor soil and sun, forms a low, spreading mat. This plant has leathery, dark green leaves up to 4 inches long and 21/2 inches wide. From late spring to early summer, clusters of pinkish-white flowers are produced at the ends of the branches. They are followed by large clusters of edible purplish-black berries, which birds find delicious. G. hispidula (Creeping Pearlberry) is a dwarf, creeping shrub that only grows 2 or 3 inches high. It is great for growing as a groundcover in natural or bog gardens. Its tiny, white flowers appear in late spring and are followed by white berries, 1/4-inch across in the fall.

Pot Cultivation

Choose a shady location for these shrubs in moist (but well drained), acidic soil such as peat, sandy peat, or loam. They may be planted in early fall or spring.

Propagation

These plants may be increased by sowing seeds in a propagating case filled with sandy peat in the spring. Cuttings may be made of half-ripe shoots and inserted in a closed frame filled with sandy peat in the summer. They may also be increased by division.