Pernettya mix

The Pernettya Mix (now more commonly listed under Gaultheria mucronata) is a delightful evergreen shrub that brings a splash of colour to gardens during the colder months. Compact and hardy, these plants are prized for their dense, glossy foliage and profusion of brightly coloured berries that persist well into winter.

Available in a mix of pink, red, white, and purple-fruited varieties, Pernettya shrubs are ideal for adding cheerful colour to borders, patio pots, and mixed plantings when most other plants have faded. With their neat habit and vibrant berries, they are perfect for brightening up autumn and winter displays.

General Information

Pernettya (Gaultheria mucronata) is a small, slow-growing evergreen shrub native to South America.

• Height & spread: Typically grows 40–90cm tall and wide, forming a compact mound.

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves with a neat, bushy habit.

• Flowers: Small, white to pale pink bell-shaped blooms in late spring to early summer.

• Fruit: Showy berries in pink, red, purple, or white that last from autumn into winter.

• Position: Prefers full sun or partial shade.

• Soil: Requires acidic, well-drained but moist soil – best grown in ericaceous compost in pots if soil is alkaline.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland, withstanding cold winters.

• Uses: Excellent in containers, borders, or for creating colourful seasonal displays.

It’s important to note that Pernettya plants are dioecious, meaning male and female plants are required nearby for good berry production. Many mixes include both sexes, but planting at least one male with several females ensures the best results.

Care Guide

Pernettya shrubs are easy to grow as long as their soil requirements are met.

Planting

• When to plant: Best planted in spring or autumn when conditions are mild.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot, spacing 30–50cm apart.

• Soil preparation: Use ericaceous compost in pots or amend garden soil with ericaceous material if needed.

• Containers: Ideal for patio pots and tubs where soil acidity can be controlled.

Watering & Feeding

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Water container-grown plants more often, especially in summer.

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

Pruning & Maintenance

• Little pruning is required – simply trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape.

• Remove any damaged or straggly shoots in spring.

• Mulch annually with ericaceous compost or bark to conserve moisture and keep soil acidic.

Protection

• Fully hardy, requiring no winter protection.

• In very exposed sites, berries may be damaged by strong winds – provide some shelter for best displays.

• Generally pest- and disease-free.

Why Choose Pernettya Mix?

This compact evergreen shrub is a wonderful choice for gardeners looking to add winter interest and reliable colour.

• Seasonal impact: Vibrant berries from autumn through winter.

• Evergreen structure: Glossy green foliage provides year-round interest.

• Compact habit: Perfect for pots, borders, and small gardens.

• Wildlife value: Berries add colour for humans, while flowers support pollinators in summer.

• Easy care: Low-maintenance once established.

The Pernettya Mix is a superb way to brighten the garden during the dullest months. Whether grown in patio containers, planted in groups in acidic borders, or added to seasonal displays with heathers and conifers, these colourful berrying shrubs provide cheer, texture, and reliable year-round beauty.

• Size
  P10.5

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)

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