Wintergreen is a low-growing evergreen plant that produces glossy green leaves year-round and bears bright red berries. This aromatic plant has a rich history of culinary and medicinal uses. If you’d like to grow wintergreen in your own garden, follow this guide for tips on choosing the ideal location, preparing the soil, planting, care, harvesting, and overwintering this delightful plant.
Choosing the Right Location for Wintergreen Plants
When choosing where to plant wintergreen, there are several factors to consider to ensure the optimal growth and health of your plants:
Sunlight Requirements
- Wintergreen plants thrive in partially shaded areas that receive dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day.
- It’s best to choose a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much hot midday sun can scorch the leaves.
- Look for sites under high-branched trees that allow some sunlight to filter through. Eastern or northern exposures often provide suitable light conditions.
Soil Requirements
- Wintergreen plants specifically prefer acidic soil with a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5.
- To ensure the soil pH meets these requirements, it’s recommended to test the soil in the potential planting area.
- Use a soil testing kit or send a sample to your local agricultural extension office for testing. This will reveal the current pH and nutrient levels of your soil.
Moisture Levels
- Wintergreen plants require moist, well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- It’s advisable to avoid planting wintergreen in areas with heavy clay soil or poor drainage.
- Look for sites where water doesn’t collect or pool after rains. Adding organic material can help improve drainage in dense soils.
Temperature
- Wintergreen plants generally prefer cooler temperatures and are considered hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7.
- It is crucial to select a location that falls within this preferred range for successful wintergreen growth.
- Areas with extreme summer heat are not well suited for wintergreen plants.
Proximity to Other Plants
- Wintergreen plants can be vulnerable to certain pests and diseases.
- To minimize the risk of infestation or infection, avoid planting wintergreen near roses, azaleas, rhododendrons, or other susceptible plants.
- Provide adequate spacing from other plants to allow air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
By carefully selecting a location that fulfills these criteria, you can provide the ideal growing conditions for your wintergreen plants to thrive.
Preparing the Soil for Wintergreen
Preparing the soil is a key step to ensure wintergreen plants have the proper growing medium. Follow these guidelines when prepping your planting area:
Clear the Area
- Remove any weeds, rocks, dead plants, or other debris. This creates a clean slate for planting.
- Eliminate any existing lawn grass or ground cover vegetation.
Test the Soil pH
- Use a soil testing kit to determine the pH level of your soil.
- Or send a sample to your local agricultural extension office for professional testing.
- Test annually to monitor any pH changes over time.
Adjust the pH if Needed
- If the soil pH is too high (above 6.0), add elemental sulfur to lower and acidify the soil.
- If the pH is too low (below 4.5), add lime to raise the pH closer to the target range.
- Ideally the soil pH for wintergreen should be between 4.5-5.5. This provides the right acidity.
Amend the Soil
- Mix in 2-3 inches of organic matter such as compost, leaf mold or rotted manure. This lightens the soil texture.
- Peat moss also helps acidify the soil for wintergreen plants.
- Improving drainage and fertility supports healthy root development.
Loosen Compacted Soil
- Use a rototiller or digging fork to break up and loosen heavily compacted soil.
- Double dig if there is hard pan or dense layers below the surface.
- Good aeration encourages growth and provides space for root expansion.
Remove Existing Vegetation
- Pull out any remaining weeds, including the roots, so they don’t regrow and compete with wintergreen plants.
- Also eliminate grass, which prefers less acidic soil than wintergreen.
Apply Mulch
- Spread 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base of plants after planting.
- Pine needles, wood chips, shredded leaves, or bark chips all work well.
- Mulching helps suppress weeds, retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Water the Soil
- Water the prepared soil evenly and thoroughly before planting wintergreen.
- Let the water fully soak into the ground. Proper moisture aids planting success.
With these steps, you can effectively optimize the soil environment for your wintergreen plants to establish successfully.
Planting Wintergreen
Once you have chosen an appropriate site and prepared the soil, it’s time to plant your wintergreen. Use these tips for successful planting:
Place the Plant Properly
- Carefully place the wintergreen plant in the prepped hole.
- The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil. Don’t plant too deep.
- Orient the plant nicely before backfilling the hole with soil.
Backfill With Soil
- Refill the hole with the excavated soil, gently firming it around the plant roots.
- Ensure there are no air pockets around the roots.
- Create a shallow basin around the plant to help retain water.
Water Thoroughly at Planting
- Water the wintergreen plant well immediately after planting to settle the soil.
- Slow, deep watering encourages root establishment and growth.
Apply Mulch After Planting
- Put 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of the newly planted wintergreen.
- This helps conserve moisture and reduces weed competition.
Monitor and Care for Plant
- Inspect plants regularly for pests, diseases, or water stress.
- Provide attentive care in the first year to ensure a healthy start.
When planting wintergreen, aim to do so in either early spring or fall. This avoids exposing tender new plants to harsh summer heat or winter cold before they establish. With careful planting and attention, your wintergreen will soon thrive.
Caring for Your Wintergreen Plants
To keep your wintergreen plants healthy and vibrant through the seasons, they require attentive care and cultivation. Here are some tips for success:
Watering Wintergreen
- Check soil moisture regularly, watering when the top 1-2 inches become dry.
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot in wintergreen plants.
- Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings.
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deeply water the soil around plants.
- Water in early morning to give moisture time to absorb before hot sun causes evaporation.
Mulching Wintergreen Plants
- Maintain 2-3 inches of organic mulch around wintergreen plants at all times.
- Replenish as needed, especially after heavy rains wash mulch away.
- Excellent mulching materials include pine straw, shredded bark, leaves, or wood chips.
- Mulch conserves moisture, insulates roots, and reduces weeds.
Pruning Wintergreen
- In early spring, prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and stems.
- Selectively thin overcrowded areas and remove crossing branches to improve air circulation.
- Pruning stimulates branching, shapes growth, and maintains plant health.
Fertilizing Wintergreen
- Use acid-loving plant fertilizer or rhododendron food once growth resumes in spring.
- Apply again in late spring if plants exhibit signs of nutrient deficiency.
- Avoid over-fertilization, which can damage roots or cause excessive growth.
- Discontinue fertilizer after August to harden off for winter dormancy.
Controlling Pests and Diseases
- Monitor closely and remove by hand any pests such as spider mites, aphids, or beetles.
- Treat with organic neem oil or insecticidal soap for severe infestations.
- Prevent fungal issues like leaf spot or rust with proper site selection, watering, and airflow.
- Remove and destroy any severely infected plants to prevent spreading issues.
With attentive care and cultivation, your wintergreen plants will thrive season after season.
Harvesting and Using Wintergreen
Once established, wintergreen plants will begin producing leaves and berries that you can harvest:
Identifying Mature Wintergreen Plants
- Look for wintergreen plants that are several years old and at least 18-24 inches wide.
- Mature plants will have glossy, vibrant green leaves with a distinct wintergreen fragrance when crushed.
- Well-established plants are more capable of regenerating leaves after harvest.
Harvesting the Leaves
- Pluck leaves gently by hand, pinching at the base of the leaf stem.
- Take care not to damage branches or overharvest any one plant.
- Use scissors for a clean cut if needed, but avoid shearing the plant.
- Harvest leaves on a dry day after the morning dew has evaporated.
Collecting the Leaves
- Gather leaves in small bundles, laying them loosely in a basket or bucket.
- Don’t pack leaves too densely, as moisture can build up and rot leaves.
- Allow ample air circulation as you harvest and transport leaves.
Avoiding Overharvesting
- Never harvest more than 1/3 of the leaves from an individual wintergreen plant at one time.
- Overpicking leaves can stress and weaken the plant long-term.
- Rotate harvests between plants from year to year.
Wintergreen leaves impart a delightful flavor and aroma perfect for use in teas, desserts, potpourri, and crafts. The leaves can also be used to extract wintergreen essential oil. Enjoy experimenting with the harvest from your wintergreen patch!
Overwintering Wintergreen Plants
Wintergreen plants are cold hardy, but still benefit from some protection during frigid winters. Use these tips to overwinter your plants:
Prepare Plants in Fall
- Hold off fertilizing in late summer so plants harden off for dormancy.
- Prune out dead branches and remove fallen leaves and debris.
- Check for pests and treat if found. Healthy plants withstand winter better.
Protect Plants from Frost
- Mulch around plants to insulate roots from freeze and thaw cycles.
- Add a 2-4 inch thick layer of pine straw, leaves, or wood chips.
- Cover plants with burlap or landscape fabric if extreme cold is expected.
Shield Plants from Wind
- Install windbreaks around wintergreen plants. These can be decorative fencing, burlap barriers, or strategically placed larger shrubs.
- Wind desiccation can damage exposed wintergreen. Block cold prevailing winds.
Water Sparingly in Winter
- Reduce watering frequency, but don’t let plants dry out completely.
- Water only if winter is unusually dry without snow cover.
- Avoid overwatering that can lead to rotting.
Monitor for Pests
- Check plants periodically for pests like aphids or scale that can infest even dormant plants.
- Apply horticultural oil or treat with insecticidal soap on warm winter days if pests are found.
With simple preparations and care, your wintergreen plants will emerge healthy and vigorous in the spring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wintergreen
If you’re new to growing wintergreen, you may have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries:
What are some good wintergreen varieties to grow?
Some top varieties for home gardens include:
- Gaultheria procumbens – The most popular wintergreen variety with excellent fragrance and flavor. Hardy in zones 3-5.
- Gaultheria shallon – Larger leaves and shrubby habit. Tolerates summer humidity well. For zones 5-9.
- Gaultheria mucronata – Prized for ornamental berries. Compact form good for containers. Zones 5-7.
When should I plant wintergreen?
The ideal times to plant wintergreen are:
- Early spring after the last frost but before hot summer weather.
- Early to mid fall at least 6 weeks before the first expected frost.
Avoid planting in the heat of summer or cold of winter.
How much water do wintergreen plants need?
- Water 1-2 times per week during the growing season if rain is lacking.
- Measure water based on soil dryness rather than a fixed schedule.
- Soak the soil thoroughly each time but don’t oversaturate it.
- Reduce watering frequency in winter.
What pests or diseases affect wintergreen?
Common issues include:
- Powdery mildew – Prevent by avoiding overhead watering and improving air circulation.
- Root rot – Caused by overwatering. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
- Aphids – Knock off with water spray or use insecticidal soap treatment.
- Wintergreen beetle – Pick off adults by hand or apply neem oil to deter.
Can I grow wintergreen in containers?
Yes, wintergreen adapts well to container growing. Use the following practices:
- Choose a pot at least 12-16 inches wide with drainage holes.
- Use a acidic potting mix suitable for azaleas or rhododendrons.
- Situate the container in partial shade protected from hot midday sun.
- Maintain consistent soil moisture.
- Move pots to a protected location in winter or provide insulation.
By following the guidance in this article, you’ll have the knowledge you need for wintergreen growing success. This versatile, aromatic plant makes a wonderful addition to gardens and landscapes.
