Gaultheria procumbens ‘Winterpearls’ – A Festive Groundcover with Berries and Blooms

Gaultheria procumbens ‘Winterpearls’, commonly called Checkerberry or Wintergreen, is a delightful compact evergreen shrub that brings charm and seasonal colour to the garden. Known for its glossy green foliage, bright red berries, and dainty white to pink bell-shaped flowers, it offers interest from summer right through winter.

‘Winterpearls’ is particularly valued for its long-lasting berries, which persist through the colder months, making it a popular choice for festive planters, winter gardens, and autumn displays. Its neat, low-growing habit makes it equally suitable as a groundcover shrub, edging plant, or container feature. Hardy, versatile, and attractive all year, it is a perfect plant for both practical use and seasonal decoration.

General Information

Gaultheria procumbens is native to North America and has long been appreciated for its ornamental berries and aromatic foliage. The ‘Winterpearls’ cultivar has been selected for its compact size and reliable performance in containers and borders.

• Growth habit: Low, creeping groundcover with a neat, spreading form

• Height & spread: Typically 15–20cm tall and 30–40cm wide

• Foliage: Glossy dark green evergreen leaves, often turning reddish-bronze in cold weather

• Flowers: Small, white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers in summer

• Fruit: Showy, round red berries in autumn and winter, persisting into early spring

• Position: Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun in cooler areas

• Hardiness: Fully hardy, tolerant of frost and cold winters

• Soil: Acidic, moist but well-drained soil; thrives in ericaceous compost

• Uses: Excellent for seasonal pots, groundcover in shady borders, or festive decorative plantings

Its ability to provide flowers, foliage colour, and berries makes it a truly multi-season performer.

Care Guide

Gaultheria procumbens ‘Winterpearls’ is easy to grow and will thrive with only a little attention, especially in the right soil conditions.

Planting

• Best planted in partial shade, though it tolerates full sun if soil remains moist.

• Requires acidic, well-drained soil; use ericaceous compost when growing in pots.

• Plant in groups for groundcover or mix into seasonal containers with heathers, skimmias, and ornamental cabbages.

• Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Watering & Feeding

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Water container plants regularly, especially during dry spells.

• Feed with an ericaceous fertiliser in spring to maintain healthy growth and strong berry production.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Pruning is rarely needed—simply remove dead or damaged stems as required.

• Pinch back long shoots lightly to maintain a tidy, compact shape.

• Remove faded berries in spring to make way for new growth.

Protection

• Fully hardy in UK and Irish climates, requiring no special winter care.

• Protect container plants from drying out in windy or exposed positions.

• Mulch around roots in winter for added protection and moisture retention.

Why Choose Gaultheria ‘Winterpearls’?

This compact evergreen is one of the best choices for bringing winter colour and seasonal cheer to gardens and containers. With its glossy foliage, festive red berries, and dainty flowers, it provides beauty and structure for months on end.

• Festive appeal: Bright red berries last from autumn through winter

• Compact habit: Perfect for pots, edging, or groundcover

• Multi-season interest: Summer flowers, autumn berries, winter foliage colour

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, reliable, and easy to grow

• Versatile use: Excellent for mixed containers, winter displays, and shaded borders

Gaultheria procumbens ‘Winterpearls’ is the ideal choice for gardeners who want reliable colour and charm in the darker months. Whether brightening a doorstep planter or providing evergreen groundcover, it will reward you with beauty season after season.

• Size
  P11

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.