Overview
Gaultheria depressa is a suckering shrubs in the genus Gaultheria, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Gaultheria depressa grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, rock garden, city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and banks and slopes.
About
Gaultheria depressa, commonly known as the mountain snowberry or alpine wax berry, is a small ground-hugging shrub of the heath family Ericaceae native to rocky alpine areas of Tasmania, Australia, and New Zealand. Grow it in full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, rock garden, city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and banks and slopes. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gaultheria depressa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gaultheria
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gaultheria depressa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Banks and slopes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gaultheria depressa
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gaultheria depressa?
Gaultheria depressa prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Gaultheria depressa need?
Gaultheria depressa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Gaultheria depressa hardy in the UK?
Gaultheria depressa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Gaultheria depressa?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Gaultheria genus
- Gaultheria adenothrix
- Gaultheria crassa

- Gaultheria erecta

- Gaultheria hispidulacreeping snowberry
- Gaultheria humifusaalpine wintergreen

- Gaultheria ovatifolia

- Gaultheria parvula 'Ohau'

- Gaultheria procumbens 'Dart's Red Giant'
