Prickly Heath Gaultheria mucronata 'Sneeuwwitje' (f)
ABOUT
Gaultheria mucronata 'Sneeuwwitje', commonly known as 'Sneeuwwitje' Pernettya, displays a compact, evergreen nature characterized by a dense mound of glossy, dark green leaves. Throughout the year, these leaves provide a lustrous backdrop for the plant's notable features that change with the seasons. In the spring, small, bell-shaped, gentle white flowers emerge, lending a delicate contrast against the dark foliage. As the seasons turn, these flowers give way to large, round berries that remain a feature throughout autumn and winter. The berries start out green but mature to a bright white hue, adding a touch of brightness to the colder months. The overall visual impact of 'Sneeuwwitje' Pernettya comes from its vibrant berries and the lush green foliage that lasts all year, making it a popular choice for adding color and texture to gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Pearly Tips, White Pearl, Prickly Heath
Common names
Pernettya mucronata, Gaultheria mucronata.
ToxicityTo humans
Gaultheria mucronata, commonly known as prickly heath, may contain compounds that can be toxic to humans if ingested. While detailed toxicity data specific to 'Sneeuwwitje' variety may not be widely documented, the general genus Gaultheria, which includes related plants like wintergreen, has been known to contain methyl salicylate. If ingested in significant quantities, it could lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and in severe cases, can cause breathing difficulties, convulsions, or even be potentially fatal due to salicylate poisoning. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid eating any parts of the prickly heath plant.
To pets
Gaultheria mucronata, commonly known as prickly heath, may also be toxic to pets if ingested. Similar to its effects on humans, the plant can contain compounds that are harmful to animals. Consumption of the plant parts, particularly the berries and leaves, could lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets, resulting in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. More serious cases might include signs of salicylate poisoning such as weakness, difficulty breathing, and tremors. For this reason, it is important to prevent pets from ingesting the prickly heath plant to avoid these potential health issues.
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
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Gaultheria mucronata 'Sneeuwwitje', commonly known as Pernettya, can attract birds and beneficial insects to the garden with its berries and flowers.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to the landscape with its evergreen foliage, white flowers, and colorful berries which can range in color depending on the variety.
- Low Maintenance: Pernettya is known for being relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and being tolerant of a range of soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
- Ground Cover: Its dense, bushy growth habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and stabilize soil.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden settings such as borders, containers, and rock gardens, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Winter Interest: With its evergreen leaves and persistent berries, Pernettya offers color and structure in the garden during the dreary winter months.
- Cultural Significance: It can be used in festive decorations and arrangements, especially during the holiday season due to its berry-laden branches.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gaultheria mucronata 'Sneeuwwitje' can be used in bonsai creation, offering a unique challenge with its evergreen foliage and compact growth habit.
- The plant can serve as a natural dye source for fabrics and crafts, with its berries potentially yielding shades of pink or purple.
- Gardeners may use pruned stems and foliage for decorative purposes in floral arrangements, thanks to its attractive leaves and berries.
- With its dense growth, it can be planted as a living mulch to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.
- It's ideal for terrariums or miniature fairy gardens, providing a lush, forest-like groundcover that stays small in confined spaces.
- The woodsy scent of the foliage can be used in potpourri mixes to impart a fresh, natural aroma to indoor environments.
- The berries can be crushed and used as a natural ink or paint for artistic endeavors, though caution should be exercised as they can be toxic if ingested.
- 'Sneeuwwitje' can be used as a tool for teaching botany and horticulture, especially concerning plant habit and berry development.
- In winter gardens, this plant can provide color contrast against snow with its evergreen leaves and red berries.
- Enthusiasts of photography can use the striking contrasts between the dark green leaves, white flowers, and red berries as a subject to practice macro photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiPrickly heath is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityPrickly heath is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The 'Sneeuwwitje' cultivar, which translates to 'Snow White' in Dutch, suggests innocence and purity, reminiscent of the snow-like white flowers it produces.
- Adaptability: Gaultheria mucronata, commonly known as prickly heath, is known for its ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Endurance: As an evergreen, prickly heath represents endurance and the ability to withstand hardships, maintaining its foliage throughout the seasons.
- Protection: The prickly nature of this plant might be interpreted as a symbol of protection and defense, akin to setting boundaries or guarding against negative influences.
WaterPernettya or Prickly Heath should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not saturated. It prefers consistently moist soil, so check the top inch of soil and water when it begins to dry out. Typically, this could be about once a week, but frequency can vary depending on temperature and humidity. In terms of the amount, it might need around 1 gallon of water every week during active growth periods, which can decrease during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
LightPernettya prefers bright, indirect light and should be placed in a spot that receives partial shade to filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can be too intense and may cause leaf burn, so a location that offers protection during the harshest afternoon sun is ideal. These light conditions mimic its natural understory habitat.
TemperaturePernettya thrives best in cool to moderate temperatures, with ideal conditions ranging between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be protected from prolonged freezing conditions. The plant is quite frost hardy, but extreme heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can stress it.
PruningPernettya requires minimal pruning, mainly to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done after the plant has finished flowering, typically in late winter or early spring. Pruning at this time prepares the plant for new growth and helps to encourage a more compact, bushy appearance. Remove no more than one-third of the plant's size per pruning session.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Prickly Heath prefers acidic soil with a pH ranging from 4.5 to 6. The best soil mix for this plant would be a combination of ericaceous compost, peat moss, and perlite, which ensures good drainage and maintains the needed acidity.
RepottingPrickly Heath should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate its growing root system. Spring is the ideal time to repot this plant, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingPrickly Heath thrives in moderate to high humidity levels. It is best to maintain humidity around 50-60% for optimal growth without the need for supplemental misting, as this plant is quite adaptable to average home humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and acidic soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, acidic soil, and shelter from wind.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleGaultheria mucronata 'Sneeuwwitje', commonly known as Prickly Heath or Pernettya, begins its life cycle with seed germination, emerging as a small seedling with only a few leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a shrubby form, producing evergreen foliage and reaching its full size over several years. During the spring and summer, it produces small bell-shaped flowers, which are generally pollinated by insects. Following successful pollination, the flowers develop into distinctive white berries by autumn, which persist through winter and are a key feature of 'Sneeuwwitje'. These berries contain seeds, which can be dispersed by animals or may fall to the ground, where they can germinate to produce new plants. The plant continues to grow and produce flowers and berries annually, with pruning or natural dieback helping to rejuvenate the shrub and maintain its shape.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
Propogation: Gaultheria mucronata 'Sneeuwwitje', commonly known as Pernettya, is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings during the summer months. To propagate by cuttings, a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) length of stem is cut from a healthy plant, ensuring there are several leaves at the top. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. This treated cutting is then planted into a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining potting medium. The cutting should be kept moist and in a shaded or indirectly lit area until roots have developed, which could take several weeks. Once established, the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into their final location.
