Wintergreen Gaultheria 'Pearls'

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Gaultheria 'Pearls', also known as Wintergreen or Checkerberry, is a charming evergreen plant noted for its striking features throughout the seasons. It is recognized by its dense mounds of shiny, leathery leaves which are deep green in color. These leaves have a unique characteristic; they produce a vivid red or purple hue during the fall and winter, adding a delightful burst of color to the garden palette. One of the most eye-catching aspects of the Wintergreen is its beautiful, small bell-shaped flowers which dangle daintily from the stems. Predominantly white, sometimes with a blush of pink, these flowers appear in clusters. They add a delicate touch to the plant's lush foliage in the spring and early summer. Following the flowers, Gaultheria 'Pearls' bears a generous crop of bright, pearl-like berries. These spherical fruits stand out against the foliage with their glossy red color, persisting through the winter and often contributing to the plant's use in festive decorations. These berries not only provide a visual appeal but also attract birds and other wildlife to the garden. The plant also features a fine texture that is enhanced by the small size of its leaves, flowers, and fruits, which work together to create a dense and visually pleasing mat. The evergreen nature of Gaultheria 'Pearls' means it remains attractive throughout the year, making it an excellent ground cover and a valuable addition to gardens seeking year-round interest.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Ericaceae.
- Synonyms
  Pearl Berry, White Pearl.
- Common names
  Gaultheria 'Peacock', Gaultheria procumbens 'Pearls'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Wintergreen, which includes the variety Gaultheria 'Pearls', generally contains methyl salicylate, a compound similar to aspirin. Ingesting parts of this plant, particularly in large quantities, can lead to poisoning. Symptoms of wintergreen poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and confusion. In more severe cases it can cause ringing in the ears, difficulty breathing, and seizures. In extreme cases, it can lead to metabolic acidosis and respiratory failure, which can be fatal without prompt medical treatment.
- To pets
  Wintergreen, like Gaultheria 'Pearls', is also toxic to pets. The methyl salicylate present in the plant is harmful if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, and potential development of metabolic acidosis. If a pet ingests wintergreen, it requires immediate veterinary attention to treat potential poisoning.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Spread
  2 feet (60 cm)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Decorative Appeal: Gaultheria 'Pearls', also known as Wintergreen, has attractive, glossy evergreen leaves that provide year-round visual interest.
- Colorful Berries: It bears vibrant red berries that add a splash of color to gardens, especially in winter months.
- Ground Cover: With its low-growing habit, Wintergreen is ideal for ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and cover bare spots in the landscape.
- Wildlife Support: The berries offer a food source for birds and other wildlife during scarce winter months.
- Low Maintenance: Wintergreen is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in the right conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it exhibits good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardens.
- Fragrant Foliage: When the leaves are crushed, they emit a pleasant, minty fragrance that can be enjoyed in the garden or when used in potpourri indoors.
- Shade Tolerance: Wintergreen is tolerant of shade, making it a versatile choice for planting under trees or in other shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
Medical Properties
- Analgesic: The oil derived from Gaultheria 'Pearls' has been traditionally used to alleviate pain due to its content of methyl salicylate.
- Anti-inflammatory: It may be used to reduce inflammation when applied topically, as methyl salicylate is known for its potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antirheumatic: It is sometimes applied topically as a folk remedy for rheumatic ailments.
- Topical irritant: As a counterirritant, it is used to distract from deeper pain with its warming sensation when applied to the skin.
However, it is important to note that the use of Gaultheria 'Pearls' for medical purposes should be approached with caution because of its high concentration of methyl salicylate, which can be toxic, particularly if ingested in large amounts or used improperly.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Gaultheria 'Pepperidge' berries can be used as natural dyes for textiles, offering shades of pink or purple, depending on the mordant used.
- The waxy leaves can be incorporated into floral arrangements, providing a lush, green backdrop for more colorful flowers.
- Dried Gaultheria 'Pepperidge' leaves can serve as an aromatic filler for potpourris, subtly scented with the plant's characteristic fragrance.
- It can be used in crafting, with the small, dense foliage and berries adding texture and color to handmade wreaths and other decorative items.
- Gaultheria 'Pepperidge' is sometimes utilized in themed gardens, such as winter or Christmas gardens, due to its bright red berries and seasonal appeal.
- The plant’s stems and foliage can be used in creating miniature landscapes or terrariums, where its compact growth habit is highly desirable.
- Fine branches and berries can be used in jewelry making, either preserved in resin or as inspiration for metal and bead designs.
- Gaultheria 'Pepperidge' can serve as a living mulch, its dense growth helping to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture in garden beds.
- It is sometimes used in photography as a prop, especially in macro photography, to add interest and natural beauty to the composition.
- The berries can be used as food for captive birds such as parrots or finches, providing them with enrichment and a natural foraging experience.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Wintergreen is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Wintergreen is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Renewal: The Gaultheria 'Pearls', more commonly known as Eastern Teaberry or American Wintergreen, retains its green color throughout the year, symbolizing the idea of renewal and consistent growth.
- Purity: Its white, pearl-like flowers and berries represent innocence and purity.
- Protection: The plant's evergreen nature and hardy qualities are often associated with protection and resilience against adversity.
- Healing: Wintergreen has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, symbolizing healing and relief from pain.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Wintergreen 'Pearls' prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil, so it is important to water it carefully. In general, watering should be done deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather, allowing the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings. This might translate to roughly 1 to 1.5 gallons per week for outdoor plants and about 16 ounces per week for container plants, adjusted based on temperature and humidity. Overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in water can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
Light
Wintergreen 'Pearls' grows best in partial to full shade. For optimal growth, place the plant in a location that provides filtered sunlight or a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, especially in hot summer climates, as this can scorch the leaves and damage the plant. The ideal spot would mimic its natural understory habitat, with dappled light throughout the day.
Temperature
Wintergreen 'Pearls' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but thrives best in cooler conditions. It can generally withstand temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 80°F but prefers a consistent range between 60°F and 70°F. Prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range, especially heat, may stress the plant. Ensure the plant is protected from extreme temperatures to maintain its health and vibrancy.
Pruning
Wintergreen 'Pearls' benefits from pruning to maintain shape and promote bushier growth. Prune lightly in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape as desired. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to remove old or damaged growth. The best time for pruning is when the plant is dormant and not actively growing.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Gaultheria procumbens 'Pearls', commonly known as Wintergreen, prefers acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6. A soil mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite in equal parts will provide good drainage and maintain acidity. Ensure the soil is well-aerating to prevent root rot.
Repotting
Wintergreen should be repotted every 2-3 years or when its roots outgrow the current pot. Use a fresh acidic soil mix and a container just slightly larger than the previous one to encourage growth without stressing the plant.
Humidity & Misting
Wintergreen thrives in moderate to high humidity conditions, ideally around 50-60%. In drier environments, consider using a humidifier or placing the pot on a tray of wet pebbles to increase ambient moisture.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Wintergreen in bright, indirect light, and maintain acidic soil.
- Outdoor
  Grow Wintergreen in partial shade, acidic soil, and protect from extreme heat.
- Hardiness zone
  3-8 USDA
Life cycle
Gaultheria 'Pearls', commonly known as Wintergreen or Checkerberry, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in a cool, moist substrate, which can vary widely depending on the environment. Following germination, the seedling establishes itself and begins to form a small rosette of leaves during the vegetative stage. As the plant matures, it develops long, trailing stems with glossy, evergreen leaves and eventually enters the flowering stage, producing small, white or pink bell-shaped flowers. Successful pollination of the flowers, often assisted by insects, leads to the formation of distinctive, fleshy red berries that contain the seeds for the next generation. Over the winter months, Wintergreen remains mostly dormant but evergreen, with the berries persisting on the plant, offering a valuable food source for birds and wildlife. Each year, the perennial growth cycle repeats, with the plant expanding in size and producing more flowers and berries.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method of propagating the Gaultheria 'Pearls', commonly known as the Pearl Berry or Snowberry, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process involves taking cuttings of the plant during the summer months, ideally in the morning when the plant is fully hydrated. Select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) section below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes where roots will form. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and plant the cutting in a mixture of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring at least one node is buried beneath the soil surface. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and cover the cutting with a plastic bag or place it in a propagation chamber to maintain high humidity. Roots should develop within a few weeks, after which you can gradually acclimate the new plant to less humid conditions before transplanting it to a more permanent location.