Full Shade to Partial Shade(0 – 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height
6-11 Inches
Mature Spread
6-18 Inches
Growing Zones
4 to 9
An excellent choice for winter interest, Peppermint Pearl Wintergreen is a lovely subshrub native to Eastern North America. Growing to just 6-8” tall, this plant performs exceptionally well in cold weather, with dark green leaves and an abundance of white berries persisting from fall through winter. Dainty, bell-shaped white flowers adorn the plants in mid-summer, later giving way to the pretty white berries.
Peppermint Pearl Wintergreen, botanically known as Gaultheria procumbens, is an evergreen hardy to USDA Zones 4-9. Its low-growing and creeping habit makes it a great groundcover to fill in woodland and shade gardens. It can also be used in containers for festive holiday plantings. Its fruit and leaves are edible with a unique, mild, minty flavor. Also known as teaberry, this plant has been traditionally used to make delicious candies, teas, and baked goods. Teaberry ice cream is an old-time favorite dessert made from this groundcover.
Peppermint Pearl Wintergreen Care
Place Peppermint Pearl Wintergreen in partial to full shade. More sun can be tolerated if the soil is watered often. Acidic woodland soils that are rich in organic matter are ideal for this little plant. Using a peat-based mulch can help lower the soil pH. Water Peppermint Pearl regularly to maintain good soil moisture, as this plant does not like dry conditions. It is relatively adaptable to its environment and does not require regular fertilization. Plant at soil level and water thoroughly until established.
Prune dead wood to encourage new growth. This plant can also be cut back in spring to aid in shaping. Winter care is not necessary, as this plant is very cold hardy. This deer-tolerant groundcover is a low-maintenance garden staple!
Peppermint Pearl Wintergreen Spacing
Space Peppermint Pearl Wintergreen about 10-12” apart to allow room to grow. This subshrub spreads slowly by rhizomes and will fill in small spaces nicely.
Product Images Courtesy of Concept Plants
Peppermint Pearl Wintergreen Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 – 9
Plant Type: Bushes
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 – 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height: 6 – 8 Inches
Mature Spread: 10 – 12 Inches
Spacing: 10 – 12 Inches
Habit: Spreading
Flower Color(s): White
Flower Description:
Bloom Period:
Foliage Type: Evergreen
Foliage Color(s): Green
Foliage Description:
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering
Watering: Average
Resists: Deer
Tolerates: Drought
Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Container Role:
Uses: Borders, Containers, Groundcovers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens
