Gaultheria procumbens (wintergreen) is a small, evergreen groundcover that brings year-round interest to shady garden spaces. You will love the glossy leaves and their classic wintergreen scent when brushed or crushed, along with small, nodding, white to pink-tinged flowers that appear in summer and give way to showy red berries in fall and winter.
Plant wintergreen where you can give it the conditions it prefers: acidic soil rich in organic matter, consistent moisture, and good drainage. It performs especially well in woodland gardens, under high tree canopies, and other sites with dappled light, partial shade, or even deep shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade helps keep plants looking their best.
At maturity, it stays low (about 3-6 inches tall) and slowly spreads to form a carpet. For quicker coverage, space plants roughly 10-14 inches apart and let them knit together over time. Mulch with pine fines, shredded leaves, or other organic material to keep roots cool and the soil evenly moist.
Wintergreen is a great choice for naturalistic plantings, rock gardens, and shady edges where you want fine texture, fragrance, and wildlife value. The berries provide seasonal color and are used by birds and small mammals, while the evergreen foliage keeps beds looking finished through winter.