Gaultheria humifusa (alpine wintergreen) — Suckering

Overview

Gaultheria humifusa is a suckering shrubs in the genus Gaultheria, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Gaultheria humifusa 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 humifusa is a species of shrub in the heath family which is known by the common names alpine wintergreen and alpine spicy wintergreen. It is native to western North America, from British Columbia to California to Colorado, where it grows in moist subalpine mountain forests. It is a low, spreading shrub which may be quite small, forming flat patches on the ground or amongst rock and leaf litter. The stems are less than 20 cm (7.9 in) in length and have small oval-shaped leaves 1 to 2 cm (0.39 to 0.79 in) long. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS 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.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gaultheria humifusa

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 humifusa 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 humifusa

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 humifusa?

Gaultheria humifusa prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Gaultheria humifusa need?

Gaultheria humifusa 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.