Overview
Gaultheria ovatifolia is a suckering shrubs in the genus Gaultheria, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Gaultheria ovatifolia 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 ovatifolia is an evergreen, suckering shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. As a member of the Gaultheria genus, it features simple, leathery foliage and small bell-shaped flowers that develop into fleshy fruits. This cultivar thrives in moist but well-drained soils, including clay, loam, and sand, and prefers full or partial shade. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for a variety of garden settings such as rock gardens, patios, and informal borders, offering winter interest with its durable foliage and fruits.
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 ovatifolia 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 ovatifolia
- 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 ovatifolia?
Gaultheria ovatifolia prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Gaultheria ovatifolia need?
Gaultheria ovatifolia 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 ovatifolia hardy in the UK?
Gaultheria ovatifolia 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 ovatifolia?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Gaultheria genus
- Gaultheria adenothrix
- Gaultheria crassa
- Gaultheria depressa
- Gaultheria erecta
- Gaultheria hispidulacreeping snowberry
- Gaultheria humifusaalpine wintergreen
- Gaultheria parvula 'Ohau'
- Gaultheria procumbens 'Dart's Red Giant'
