Creeping Wintergreen
gaultheria hispidula
Also known as: ["Mountain Tea","Saxifrage"]
Overview
A low-growing, evergreen groundcover with glossy leaves and small, white, bell-shaped flowers followed by edible, red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Gaultheria |
| Botanical Name: | Gaultheria hispidula |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded woodland garden or container in a cool, humid environment
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Moist but well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Acidic, peaty soil with good organic matter content; resembles the soil found in bogs or forest floors.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or after flowering if necessary.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or overcrowded stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light conditions, ideal for 2–4 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light throughout the day.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from low light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn; ideal for shaded garden spots or north-facing windows indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Use sheer curtains to filter light indoors; place in a shaded garden area; monitor for signs of sun stress.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to slightly dry between waterings
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
acidic, moist, well-draining peat-based soil
pH: Acidic, pH 4.5–6.0.
Use acidic soil amendments; ensure good drainage; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Prefers cool temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C); tolerates temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C) in winter.
Keep away from heat sources; maintain consistent cool temperatures; protect from frost in winter.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; use a fertilizer with higher phosphorus content to promote root growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings with at least two nodes.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in propagation medium.
- Maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not under stress.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with added perlite or sand for drainage; maintain high humidity around the cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish as a new plant in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagation dome, peat-based medium, perlite or sand.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings out of direct sunlight; maintain consistent moisture; check for root development after 4 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off unwanted growth just above a leaf node or bud; avoid cutting into healthy, mature stems.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged growth to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools before use; prune dead or damaged growth; avoid over-pruning; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot; trim any dead or circling roots; repot in a container with fresh, well-draining soil mix; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or every 2–3 years; Gaultheria hispidula prefers slightly crowded roots.
Checklist
Choose the right pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in a shaded area for recovery.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water thoroughly at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add peat moss, pine bark, or compost to increase acidity and organic matter; ensure good drainage by adding perlite or coarse sand.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; growth may slow or stop in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGaultheria hispidula is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are known to be harmful to felines. As with any plant ingestion, excessive consumption may lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicGaultheria hispidula is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known compounds that are harmful to canines. However, ingestion of large amounts of any plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicGaultheria hispidula, commonly known as creeping wintergreen, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of its berries may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high tannin content. The plant is not known to produce any significant toxic compounds that would pose a health risk under normal circumstances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Gaultheria hispidula edible?
A: Yes, its berries are edible and have a minty flavor, but should be consumed in moderation due to mild toxicity.
Q: How much sunlight does Gaultheria hispidula need?
A: It prefers partial shade to full shade and thrives in moist, acidic soil.
Q: Does Gaultheria hispidula attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and other pollinators with its flowers and provides food for birds with its berries.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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