Gaultheria procumbens <br>WINTERGREEN AMERICAN, CHECKERBERRY, TEABERRY, BOXBERRY

Traditionally grown as a groundcover, and an excellent ornamental for winter holidays and container specimens. The bright red wintergreen-scented berries with glossy green leaves. Native to northeastern North America from Newfoundland west to southeastern Manitoba, and south to Alabama.

G. procumbens is a small, low-growing shrub, typically reaching 15 cm (6") tall. The leaves are evergreen with a distinct oil of wintergreen scent.

The flowers are pendulous, with a white, sometimes pink-tinged, and bell-shaped.

The plant is a calcifuge, favoring acidic soil, in pine or hardwood forests, although it generally produces fruit only in sunnier areas.

This plant has received the Award of Garden Merit (A.G.M.) from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Type: Low-growing shrub

Hardiness zones: 2-8

Height: 6", 15cm

Location: Indirect sun, part shade