How to Grow Wintergreen

Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens

shrub

Wintergreen is a low-growing evergreen groundcover native to North America, typically reaching 3-6 inches in height. It produces small white bell-shaped flowers and bright red berries that persist through winter, providing both ornamental and culinary value. The plant is prized for its aromatic leaves that smell distinctly of mint when crushed.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Partial shade to dappled sunlight; tolerates full shade but produces more berries in brighter conditions

💧

Water: Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; prefers high humidity. Water regularly during growing season and maintain moisture through dry spells.

📏

Spacing: 12-18 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 3-4 years for established berry production

🌱

Planting depth: 0.5-1 inch for seeds or plant root ball at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining, acidic loamy soil with high organic matter

pH: 4.5-5.5

Amendments:

Peat moss Compost Sulfur if soil pH is too high

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-8, preferring cool to moderate climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

Growth Stages

Seedling/Establishment

3-6 months

Tiny seedlings with 2-4 leaves emerge; very slow growth initially.

Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain high humidity. Protect from direct sun and wind.

Vegetative Growth

1-2 years

Plant develops creeping stems with small oval leathery leaves; low spreading habit establishes.

Water regularly. Apply mulch to maintain moisture and acidity. Ensure adequate airflow to prevent fungal issues.

Flowering

2-3 weeks (typically late spring to early summer)

Small, delicate white or pale pink bell-shaped flowers appear in clusters from leaf axils.

Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Ensure partial shade to moderate sun for optimal flowering.

Fruiting

Summer through winter

Flowers give way to bright red, berry-like fruits (about ¼ inch diameter) that persist on the plant.

Continue regular watering. Fruits will last through fall and winter, providing food for wildlife and ornamental value.

Dormancy

December-February

Plant remains evergreen but enters slow growth phase during winter; foliage may take on darker or reddish tones.

Reduce watering slightly but keep soil moist. Avoid heavy foot traffic. Mulch can protect from extreme cold.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Blueberry Rhododendron Azalea Huckleberry Poison ivy Ferns Moss

Avoid planting near:

Alkaline-loving plants Lime-treated soils

Common Pests

Increase humidity, mist foliage, spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if severe
Improve air circulation, remove infected leaves, apply fungicide if necessary, avoid overhead watering
Prune infested stems, apply horticultural oil in dormant season or insecticidal soap during growing season
Ensure excellent drainage, avoid waterlogging, improve air circulation, apply fungicide to soil if needed

Uses

🍳

Tea and flavoring

Culinary

Wintergreen leaves can be steeped to make a minty tea with warming properties. The bright berries and aromatic leaves are also used to flavor beverages, desserts, and confections. [source]

💊

Pain relief and anti-inflammatory

Medicinal

Wintergreen contains methyl salicylate, a compound similar to aspirin, and has been traditionally used in liniments and topical preparations for muscle and joint pain relief. The essential oil is commonly used in pain-relief rubs and ointments. [source]

🏠

Essential oil and aromatherapy

Household

The distilled essential oil of wintergreen is widely used in topical pain relief products, toothpaste, mouthwash, and aromatherapy diffusers for its refreshing minty scent and warming properties. [source]

🌿

Groundcover and winter decoration

Ornamental

Wintergreen serves as an attractive evergreen groundcover for shaded woodland gardens and is particularly valued for its bright red berries that provide winter color and visual interest when other plants are dormant. [source]

🦋

Food source for birds

Wildlife

The persistent red berries are an important winter food source for songbirds, grouse, and other wildlife, making wintergreen an excellent plant for supporting biodiversity in the garden. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Leaves can be harvested anytime during the growing season by pinching off young growth; best flavor is in spring and early summer. Berries are ready to harvest in fall when fully red and can be collected individually or the plant can be stripped. For medicinal or culinary use, harvest leaves in late summer when oil content is highest. Berries persist naturally on the plant through winter if left for wildlife.

Fun Facts

🌱 Wintergreen's distinctive minty flavor comes from methyl salicylate, which is also found in willow bark and was historically used as the basis for aspirin production.
🌱 Native Americans and early colonists used wintergreen to make a medicinal tea and topical salve for various ailments, and it was officially recognized in the United States Pharmacopeia until 1955.
🌱 The plant's low-growing, creeping habit and persistent bright berries make it particularly valuable in winter landscapes, often remaining vibrant and ornamental when frost and snow cover surrounding vegetation.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free