Overview
Gaultheria griffithiana is a suckering shrubs in the genus Gaultheria, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Gaultheria griffithiana 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 griffithiana is an evergreen, suckering shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. As a member of the Gaultheria genus, it features simple, leathery foliage and produces small, bell-shaped flowers followed by fleshy fruits. This cultivar thrives in full or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soil, including clay, loam, or sand with acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it suits a variety of garden settings such as rock gardens, patios, and informal borders, offering winter interest. It can be propagated by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
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 griffithiana 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 griffithiana
- 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 griffithiana?
Gaultheria griffithiana prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Gaultheria griffithiana need?
Gaultheria griffithiana 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 griffithiana hardy in the UK?
Gaultheria griffithiana 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 griffithiana?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Gaultheria genus
- Gaultheria adenothrix
- Gaultheria crassa
- Gaultheria depressa
- Gaultheria erecta
- Gaultheria hispidulacreeping snowberry
- Gaultheria humifusaalpine wintergreen
- Gaultheria ovatifolia
- Gaultheria parvula 'Ohau'
