Lesser Wintergreen
pyrola minor
Also known as: ["Lesser Wintergreen","Lesser Shinleaf"]
Overview
A small, evergreen herbaceous plant with glossy, rounded leaves and nodding white or pale pink flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Pyrola |
| Botanical Name: | Pyrola minor |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded, moist ground
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Moist, acidic, humus-rich soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when dead leaves are present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade; 4–6 hours of indirect or dappled sunlight per day, especially in spring and summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from direct sunlight to avoid scorching; place in a location with consistent, filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; provide dappled light; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.
Soil
moist, acidic, humus-rich soil
pH: Acidic, pH 4.5–6.0.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use acidic soil amendments; ensure good drainage.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C), with protection from extreme heat or cold.
Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme fluctuations.
Fertilizing
rarely required, if used then every 3–4 months with diluted balanced fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only when the plant is actively growing; avoid over-fertilization.
Propagation
Methods
Division or seed propagation; division is more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps carefully.
- Replant divisions at the same depth.
- Water gently.
- Protect from direct sun.
Best Time: Early spring, when the plant is emerging from dormancy.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite for good drainage and moisture retention.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for seeds to improve germination.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; seeds: 1–2 years to flowering.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or spade, gloves, pots, propagation mix.
Quick Tips
Divide only when the plant is overcrowded; keep newly divided plants shaded and moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off unwanted growth with clean cuts; avoid cutting into healthy stems.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruners, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged parts; avoid over-pruning; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or the soil degrades; typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check root health; avoid over-potting; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting the foliage. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth, and allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter to prevent waterlogging.
Soil Improvement
Add peat moss, compost, or leaf mold to improve moisture retention and acidity; ensure good drainage with perlite or sand.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning leaf edges in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf discoloration in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth, cause root damage, or lead to leaf drop if the plant is not adapted to cold conditions.
Solution: Provide insulation with mulch or frost cloth; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to water stress and metabolic disruption.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, and water more frequently during hot spells; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid contact with leaves; flush soil occasionally.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPyrola minor is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPyrola minor is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPyrola minor is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known significant toxic effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pyrola minor toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: Where does Pyrola minor typically grow?
A: It is found in acidic, moist woodlands and coniferous forests.
Q: How does Pyrola minor reproduce?
A: It reproduces by seeds and vegetative spread through rhizomes.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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