Gaultheria procumbens 'Cherry Berries' is a compact evergreen groundcover known for its glossy green leaves which turn deep burgundy in winter, and its abundance of bright red berries that persist through the cold months. This wintergreen cultivar is especially valuable for adding seasonal interest to shaded areas and its spicy mint scented foliage offers year round sensory appeal.
Height & Spread: 6 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, acidic soil with high organic matter
Watering Needs: Keep evenly moist; avoid drought stress
Deer Resistance: Typically avoided by deer due to aromatic leaves
Native Status
Gaultheria procumbens is native to eastern North America, thriving in woodland and forest edge habitats from Canada to the southeastern United States.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- The persistent berries are an important late season food source for birds such as American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, and Ruffed Grouse.
Beneficial Insects
- While not a major nectar source, its dense foliage provides habitat for predatory ground beetles and other beneficial insects that overwinter in leaf litter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 12 - 18 in apart for seamless groundcover and to encourage dense spreading growth.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for shady woodland paths, underplantings of rhododendrons and azaleas, or container gardens for winter interest. Often used in naturalistic designs where evergreen foliage and berries enhance seasonal transition.
Companion Plants
- Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) - Evergreen fronds enhance the winter interest and echo the woodland habitat of 'Cherry Berries'.
- Maianthemum canadense - Also known as Canada Mayflower, this native pairs well in acidic woodlands with white spring flowers and glossy foliage.
- Carex pensylvanica - Native sedge that thrives in dry shade and knits together low woodland edges.
- Epimedium x rubrum - Spring blooming foliage plant with red tinged leaves that complement berry color and form a tight mat.
- Heuchera 'Obsidian' - Deep burgundy leaves play off the red berries and add dramatic contrast in shaded plantings.