Prickly Heath Gaultheria mucronata 'Bell's Seedling' (f/m)
ABOUT
Gaultheria mucronata 'Bell's Seedling', commonly known as prickly heath, is an evergreen shrub distinguished by its striking features. The plant is adorned with a dense arrangement of small, glossy, dark green leaves that have a leathery texture. Each leaf appears relatively narrow, with noticeably pointed tips, contributing to a somewhat prickly nature when brushed against, hence the name. This cultivar is particularly noted for its vibrant blooms; it produces tiny, bell-shaped flowers that hang delicately among the foliage. These flowers are typically white or pale pink, adding a subtle splash of color to the plant's appearance. Following the flowering period, prickly heath produces colorful berries that provide a contrast against the green leaves. The berries, which can range from shades of pink to deep purple or even sometimes white, persist through the winter months, offering both aesthetic appeal and a food source for local birdlife. Overall, 'Bell's Seedling' presents a compact and bushy habit which makes it suitable for incorporating into garden borders, rockeries, or as a part of ornamental plant collections. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, making it a valuable plant for gardeners looking to maintain a continuous display in their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Prickly Heath, Prickly Chilean Gaultheria
Common names
Pernettya mucronata 'Bell's Seedling', Gaultheria mucronata (L.f.) Hook. & Arn. 'Bell's Seedling'.
ToxicityTo humans
Prickly Heath, which is the most common common name for Gaultheria mucronata 'Bell's Seedling', doesn't have a well-documented profile of toxicity to humans. However, most species within the Gaultheria genus contain compounds that can be irritating or harmful if ingested. If a person ingests part of Prickly Heath, they may potentially experience mild to moderate symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Due to the lack of specific information, it is advisable to avoid eating any part of this plant and to keep it out of reach of children who might inadvertently ingest it.
To pets
In pets, Prickly Heath can be considered similarly to its effects on humans. While specific toxicity information for this plant is not well-documented, it is prudent to treat the Gaultheria mucronata 'Bell's Seedling' with caution. If a pet ingests part of this plant, they might experience gastrointestinal upset including symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Since pets can react differently to various plants and may be more sensitive, it is important to prevent them from consuming parts of the plant and to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of Prickly Heath.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Chile
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Produces vibrant berries and has glossy foliage, adding aesthetic value to gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: The berries attract birds, providing a food source and encouraging biodiversity.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit can prevent weeds and soil erosion in garden settings.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Hardiness: It is cold resistant and can thrive in a range of climatic conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive with limited water, beneficial in areas with water restrictions.
- Evergreen: Maintains foliage throughout the year, offering consistent garden interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Prickly Heath berries can be used to make natural dyes, with the fruit producing varying shades of green to blue, making it useful for textile projects.
- The foliage of Prickly Heath, with its tough evergreen leaves, is often utilized in floral arrangements, particularly in wreaths and winter bouquets.
- Due to its dense and spiny nature, Prickly Heath can function as a deterrent against small animals when planted as a protective hedge around vulnerable garden areas.
- Prickly Heath is suitable for crafting miniature gardens or fairy gardens, with its small stature and berry-like fruits adding whimsical charm.
- The stems and branches of Prickly Heath have potential uses in basket weaving, where their flexibility when young can be exploited.
- In educational settings, Prickly Heath can be incorporated into biodiversity studies for its attractiveness to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Prickly Heath's contrasting dark green leaves and bright berries serve as inspiration for artists in botanical illustration or nature-inspired designs.
- The plant can be used in ecological projects for revegetation or restoration in appropriate climates, as its evergreen nature and hardiness are beneficial in preventing soil erosion.
- Hobbyists may use Prickly Heath to train and enjoy the art of bonsai because it can be pruned to maintain petite proportions.
- Prickly Heath can be planted in containers on patios or balconies, where its year-round appeal provides visual interest and minimal maintenance for urban gardeners.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Prickly Heath is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Prickly Heath is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- **Resilience** - Gaultheria mucronata, commonly known as the 'Prickly Heath', often grows in tough, rocky environments, symbolizing the ability to survive and thrive in challenging conditions.
- **Protection** - The prickly nature of the 'Prickly Heath' suggests a symbol of protection and defense, guarding against negativity and harm.
- **Adaptability** - Prickly Heath's adaptability to different soils and climates represents the quality of being versatile and flexible in life's situations.
- **Purity** - The bright, often white berries of 'Prickly Heath', can symbolize innocence and purity, conveying a sense of simplicity and cleanliness.
- **Festivity** - Due to its festive red berries and evergreen nature, 'Prickly Heath' is often associated with winter celebrations, symbolizing joy and the spirit of the holiday season.
WaterPrickly Heath, commonly known as Gaultheria mucronata 'Bell's Seedling', should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch, which typically means watering it once every week. However, the frequency may need to be increased during hot, dry spells to twice a week. It is crucial to avoid waterlogging the soil, so ensure good drainage when watering. You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the size of the plant and the pot, but on average, use about 1-2 gallons of water per watering session to thoroughly saturate the root zone.
LightPrickly Heath thrives best in a spot that receives partial shade to full sunlight. Best lighting conditions exist in a location where morning sunlight is plentiful, but the plant is protected from the intense heat of the midday sun. Ideally, place Prickly Heath in a spot that gets several hours of morning light but then receives dappled shade in the afternoon.
TemperaturePrickly Heath prefers a cool to moderate temperature range, with ideal conditions being between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand a minimum temperature of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is sensitive to extreme heat, so temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit should be avoided. Ensure that the plant is sheltered from harsh winter winds if exposed to lower temperatures.
PruningPrickly Heath benefits from light pruning to maintain its desired shape and encourage bushier growth. It is best to prune the plant immediately after it has finished flowering to avoid cutting off next season's flower buds. Pruning once a year is sufficient, cutting back any overgrown stems or removing damaged or dead growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPrickly heath (Gaultheria mucronata 'Bell's Seedling') thrives in acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0. An ideal soil mix for prickly heath would be a blend of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite, which ensures good drainage and retains adequate moisture. Amend the soil with an acidifying fertilizer if needed to maintain the pH.
RepottingPrickly heath should generally be repotted every two to three years or if it becomes root bound. It is best done in spring or early summer when the plant shows signs of new growth.
Humidity & MistingPrickly heath prefers moderate to high humidity levels but can adapt to average household humidity. Ensure the surrounding air isn't too dry, particularly during winter when indoor heating can reduce humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light, cool temps, and moist acidic soil.
Outdoor
Choose partial shade, acidic soil, shelter from winds, and mulch.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA.
Life cycleGaultheria mucronata 'Bell's Seedling', also known as Pernettya, begins its life as a seed, which, once germinated in appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature, sprouts into a seedling. The seedling puts down roots while developing its first leaves and undergoes a phase of vigorous vegetative growth to become a mature plant. As a perennial shrub, Pernettya enters a flowering stage where white or pinkish bell-shaped flowers emerge, typically in the spring or early summer. Following pollination, which is often aided by insects, the flowers develop into colorful berries that can persist on the plant throughout the fall and even into winter. The plant continues to grow and spread, producing more flowers and berries each year through a combination of seed dispersal and possibly vegetative propagation. The life cycle is perpetuated as birds and other wildlife consume the berries and disperse the seeds, leading to the establishment of new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Gaultheria mucronata 'Bell's Seedling', commonly known as prickly heath, is most commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. For best results, this should be done in the late summer. The process involves selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem of the current year's growth and cutting a piece around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length. The lower leaves of the cutting are then removed, and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is placed into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar free-draining propagation medium. The pot should then be kept in a warm, humid environment, with indirect light being optimal for root growth. To maintain humidity, it is useful to cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before being potted on.
