Gaultheria pumila
Gaultheria pumila
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Pl. 13D8 — Gaultheria pumila
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IOverview
Overview
Gaultheria pumila, commonly known as wintergreen, is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to the southern regions of Chile and Argentina, including the Falkland Islands. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure. Known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications, wintergreen is also valued for its ornamental qualities due to its compact size and evergreen nature. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in a range of hardiness zones from 6 to 9, making it adaptable to different climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Gaultheria pumila?
Gaultheria pumila, commonly known as wintergreen, is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to the southern regions of Chile and Argentina, including the Falkland Islands. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Gaultheria pumila thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows to a height of about 0.1 meters. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Gaultheria pumila for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple planting of Gaultheria pumila in a sunny spot and keep it moist.
- 1
What you'll need
A Gaultheria pumila plant, well-draining soil, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use light, sandy or medium soil. Ensure good drainage if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young Gaultheria pumila plant from a nursery pot into your garden or container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can harm the roots.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun and regular watering. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain size.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Gaultheria pumila is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often picked when ripe and consumed fresh for its aromatic flavor. The berries can also be dried to preserve them for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 5 native
Broader regions
native:Argentina South, Chile Central, Chile South, Falkland Is., Argentina Northwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 13d8aa40-ea1c-4496-a2e5-98af70cf1d97
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