Also known as Wintergreen · 125 saves
Gaultheria
Gaultheria, the genus most gardeners know as wintergreen. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Gaultheria varieties
Species of Gaultheria
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Gaultheria in Sow
Save the Gaultheria you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Gaultheria
Whats common across all Gaultheria varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Gaultheria year
- MulchApril and November100% of varieties
Apply pine needle or bark mulch to maintain soil acidity and moisture.
- PlantApril, May, October and November67% of varieties
Plant in acidic, humus-rich soil in spring or fall.
- HarvestOctober–December67% of varieties
Harvest leaves year-round or berries in fall/winter for tea and flavoring.
- PropagateApril67% of varieties
Divide clumps in early spring or take semi-hardwood cuttings in fall.
Do
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune lightly after winter to shape
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Apply acidic fertilizer during active growing seasons
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from fertilizing with alkaline fertilizers
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Gaultheria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and curled leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Deer | Chewed stems and foliage, particularly on tender new growth. | Install physical barriers or cages around young plants until they are established. |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning foliage | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves, soggy roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected foliage and apply fungicide |
Making more Gaultheria
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, acidic soil
- Maintain humidity by covering with plastic
- Roots form in 6 weeks
Seeds
- Collect ripe berries in fall
- Extract seeds and stratify in moist soil for 3 months
- Plant in early spring in acidic soil
- Keep soil moist and shaded
Gaultheria questions
How many types of Gaultheria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Gaultheria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 125 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Gaultheria grow in?
Across its varieties, Gaultheria covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Gaultheria bloom?
Most Gaultheria varieties bloom in summer, late spring, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Gaultheria should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.