Gaultheria procumbens ‘Big Berry’ – Care Guide

Gaultheria procumbens ‘Big Berry’ is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its large bright-red berries, glossy dark-green foliage, and attractive autumn and winter colour. A superior selection of wintergreen, ‘Big Berry’ produces noticeably bigger fruits than the standard species and is ideal for pots, winter planters, shaded borders, and groundcover in acidic soils. It is especially popular for autumn–winter displays thanks to its long-lasting berries and tidy, low-growing habit.

Planting & Position

• Light:

  • Grows best in partial shade, dappled light, or bright shade.

  • Will tolerate full sun if the soil remains consistently moist and acidic.

  • Avoid hot, dry, exposed locations.

• Soil:

  • Requires acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil.

  • Avoid alkaline or chalky soils, which cause poor growth and yellowing.

  • For containers, use ericaceous peat-free compost.

• Planting time:

  • Plant in spring or early autumn for best establishment.

• Spacing:

  • Space plants 20–30 cm apart when used as groundcover.

Care & Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first year.

  • Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

  • In containers, check moisture regularly during warm weather.

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with an ericaceous fertiliser to maintain good foliage colour and berry production.

  • Avoid lime-based feeds.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a mulch of pine needles, bark, or leaf mould to help maintain soil acidity and moisture.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning required.

  • Remove any damaged or untidy foliage in spring.

  • Trim lightly after berry season if necessary to maintain shape.

• Winter care:

  • Fully hardy.

  • Berries remain decorative throughout autumn and winter, often into early spring.

Seasonal Interest & Uses

• Berries:

  • Large, bright-red berries appear in late summer and autumn, lasting through winter.

  • ‘Big Berry’ produces significantly larger fruits than standard Gaultheria.

• Foliage:

  • Glossy, deep green leaves that take on bronze or burgundy tints in cold weather.

  • Evergreen, offering colour year-round.

• Flowers:

  • Small white or pale pink, bell-shaped flowers in early summer.

• Ideal uses:

  • Autumn and winter patio pots

  • Mixed seasonal planters

  • Shaded borders

  • Acidic woodland edges

  • Groundcover around camellias, azaleas, pieris, and rhododendrons

  • Christmas and seasonal decorative plantings

• Wildlife:

  • Berries may attract birds, though they tend to remain on the plant for long periods due to their firm texture.

In Summary:

Gaultheria procumbens ‘Big Berry’ is a superb evergreen shrub for adding colour and interest from summer through winter. With larger-than-average red berries and attractive glossy foliage, it is perfect for pots, shaded borders, and autumn–winter displays. Plant in acidic soil, keep well-watered, and enjoy its long-lasting seasonal beauty

• Size
  P10.5, red pot

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