Wintergreen 'Mulberry Wine' Gaultheria mucronata 'Mulberry Wine' (f)

Water

For the Pernettya, which is the most common name for Gaultheria mucronata 'Mulberry Wine', water the plant thoroughly to ensure even moisture throughout the soil, typically this might be once a week, but adjust according to weather conditions, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, it may require more frequent watering, especially in warmer, drier periods, then maybe twice a week. Provide about one to two gallons per watering session for a mature plant, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. In winter, reduce watering to every other week or when the soil feels dry to the touch, as the plant will be dormant and require less water. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely, but also be careful not to overwater.

Light

Pernettya thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions, with dappled sunlight being ideal to protect it from the intense midday sun. A spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade would be perfect for this plant. If indoors, a bright room where the plant can receive indirect sunlight for most of the day works well.

Temperature

Pernettya prefers moderate temperatures and can handle a minimum around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, though it's best kept in conditions above freezing to avoid damage to the foliage. The ideal temperature range for the Pernettya is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand a maximum temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, beyond which protective measures to shade the plant from excessive heat should be considered.

Pruning

Pernettya should be pruned to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in early spring before new growth starts or just after the plant has finished blooming. Prune lightly, removing any dead or damaged branches and trimming back any overlong stems to help maintain a compact form. Typically, pruning once a year is adequate.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Prickly Heath 'Mulberry Wine' thrives best in acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0. A well-draining soil mix would consist of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark in equal parts. This provides both aeration and moisture retention, catering to the plant's needs.

Repotting

Prickly Heath 'Mulberry Wine' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years. It is important to use a fresh acidic soil mix to maintain the preferred pH level and ensure the health of the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Prickly Heath 'Mulberry Wine' prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 60%. This plant will thrive in a moist environment, but without standing water, which may cause root rot.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in acidic soil, high humidity, indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant in part shade, acidic soil, protect from harsh sun.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Gaultheria mucronata 'Mulberry Wine', commonly known as Pernettya, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in spring, usually in moist, well-draining acidic soil. The seedlings establish themselves rapidly and enter a vegetative growth stage, developing a dense, bushy form with glossy green leaves. During late spring to early summer, Pernettya 'Mulberry Wine' produces small bell-shaped, white or pink flowers that, if pollinated, give way to striking purple berries by late summer or autumn. The berries persist through winter, providing visual interest and food for birds. This evergreen shrub continues to mature, growing up to 1.5 meters tall, with a similar spread, and can live for many years if given proper care. Pruning is done in early spring to maintain shape and encourage healthy new growth, completing the annual cycle of this ornamental plant.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Gaultheria mucronata 'Mulberry Wine', also known as Pernettya, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is usually done in the late summer to early fall. To propagate via this method, healthy, semi-hardwood stems about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long are cut from the parent plant. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The treated cuttings are then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite, ensuring good contact between the cutting and the medium. The pot is placed in a warm location with indirect light and covered with a plastic bag to maintain a humid environment until roots develop, after which the new plants can be transplanted to their final location.