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American Wintergreen

Red berries and burgundy foliage add festive holiday color

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About the Variety

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Key Features

Frost Tolerant
Prefers Dappled Shade
Morning Sun Only
Prefers Moist Soil
Container Friendly
Attracts Bees
Perfect for Borders
Medicinal
Edible
Deer Resistant
Rabbit Resistant
North American Native

Plant Details

BOTANICAL NAME

Gaultheria procumbens

LIFE CYCLE

  • Perennial

SEED TYPE

  • Live Plant

LIGHT REQUIREMENT

  • Partial Shade
  • Full Shade

BLOOM SEASON

  • Late Spring through Early Fall

GROWTH HABIT

  • Creeping
  • Ground Cover

COLOR

  • Green
  • Red
  • Purple

MATURE SIZE

  • 4 to 8 inches x 6 to 12 inches

A little woodland magic for the holidays and beyond, American Wintergreen brings festive charm to your outdoor holiday decorating. This petite native evergreen features glossy, deep green leaves that take on rich burgundy tones as temperatures cool, while bright red berries add a cheerful pop of Christmas color. Tuck it into holiday planters to welcome guests at your front door, then transplant it into a shady woodland garden where it will spread slowly into a charming, low-growing groundcover.

  • Crushed leaves and berries release a distinct minty, wintergreen scent
  • Stays compact and tidy under six inches tall
  • Slow-spreading and easy to care for; ideal in pots and window boxes

Planting Information

PLANTING SEASON

  • Spring
  • Fall

PLANTING DEPTH

  • Top of the root ball level with soil surface

WATER NEEDS

  • Average

PLANT SPACING

  • 10 to 14 inches

HARDINESS ZONES

  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8

Planting Guide

Ready to Grow

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    American Wintergreen FAQs

    Does American Wintergreen have a fragrance?

    Yes! When crushed, the leaves and berries release a refreshing, minty wintergreen scent.

    What does an American Wintergreen look like in the summer?

    In summer, American Wintergreen features glossy, deep green foliage accented by delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shade

    Where is the best place to plant American Wintergreen after the holidays?

    After the holidays, transplant American Wintergreen into a shady woodland garden or beneath trees and shrubs where it can slowly spread into a charming, evergreen groundcover. Choose a spot with acidic, well-drained soil that stays consistently moist, and enjoy its beauty for years to come.

    Is American Wintergreen invasive?

    No, American Wintergreen is not considered invasive. This North American native spreads slowly through underground rhizomes, gradually forming a dense, low-growing evergreen groundcover. Its gentle spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for shady woodland gardens without aggressively taking over neighboring plants.

    Is American Wintergreen edible?

    Yes, while American Wintergreen berries are edible and have a mild, minty wintergreen flavor, they are generally enjoyed more for their ornamental appeal. The aromatic leaves have traditionally been used to make wintergreen tea. However, both contain methyl salicylate, so consumption should be limited, and concentrated wintergreen oil should never be ingested.

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