Wintergreen is a delightful evergreen plant that can infuse your garden with its signature minty fragrance and vibrant foliage. From its selection and planting to harvesting aromatic leaves, follow this Wintergreen Gardening Guide to successfully cultivate this aromatic herb.
Discover the Allure of Wintergreen Plants
Native to North America, wintergreen plants belong to the genus Gaultheria and feature glossy green leaves and delicate white flowers. These hardy plants emit a refreshing minty aroma when their leaves are crushed or bruised. The scent comes from methyl salicylate, a compound that also provides soothing analgesic effects. Whether used in teas, desserts, or aromatherapy, wintergreen is treasured for its enchanting fragrance and versatility. Growing this aromatic plant allows you to enjoy its captivating qualities right in your own garden.
Choosing the Best Site for Wintergreen
When selecting where to plant wintergreen, keep these optimal growing conditions in mind:
- Light Requirements: Wintergreen thrives with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or dappled sunlight per day. Areas that receive morning sun or afternoon shade are ideal.
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5-5.5 is preferred. Adding compost improves moisture retention.
- Moisture Levels: Consistent moisture is necessary but avoid waterlogged sites. Ensure the soil drains well.
- Frost Protection: Shelter wintergreen from cold winds and frost pockets. Near buildings or trees works well.
- Convenience: Place wintergreen along paths or near seating areas for easy access when harvesting leaves.
Preparing the Soil for Planting
Proper soil preparation sets the stage for wintergreen to flourish:
- Test Soil pH: Use a soil testing kit and amend as needed to reach an acidic pH of 4.5-5.5.
- Add Organic Matter: Incorporate compost, rotted leaves or pine needles to increase fertility and moisture retention.
- Remove Weeds: Eliminate competing weeds and grass by hand or using an herbicide. Dig out roots.
- Loosen Soil: Use a spade or tiller to loosen soil to a depth of 8 inches, enhancing drainage.
- Mix in Fertilizer: If soil lacks nutrients, till in balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
- Improve Drainage: Consider raising planting beds if the site is prone to waterlogging.
- Apply Mulch: Cover soil with 2-3 inches of pine straw or wood chip mulch to conserve moisture.
Planting Wintergreen Step-By-Step
Follow these simple steps for planting wintergreen:
- Dig holes or trenches 6-12 inches apart in prepared soil based on plant size.
- Carefully place wintergreen plants in holes, spreading roots out evenly.
- Backfill holes with surrounding soil, firming it gently around the roots.
- Thoroughly water just after planting to remove air pockets and moisten roots.
- Add 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Monitor soil moisture weekly, watering when top 1 inch is dry. Provide 1 inch of water per week.
- Fertilize with acidic fertilizer in early spring and midsummer according to label directions.
- Prune away any dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth.
- In cold climates, protect plants by mulching around the base before winter.
We have a specific guide to planting wintergreen available here.
Ongoing Care for Thriving Wintergreen Plants
Consistent care is key to having vibrant wintergreen plants:
Watering
- Water deeply 1-2 times per week during dry periods.
- Allow soil to slightly dry between waterings but don’t let it become bone dry.
- Provide 1 inch of water weekly through rain or manual watering.
- Always water at soil level, avoid wetting foliage which encourages diseases.
Fertilizing
- Feed plants with acidic fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring.
- Apply a second round of fertilizer in midsummer for a growth boost.
- Follow package instructions carefully when fertilizing wintergreen plants.
Pruning
- Prune out dead, damaged or crossing branches to improve plant shape.
- Selectively trim back branches in early spring before new growth emerges.
- Remove spent flowers and discolored foliage as needed for a tidy appearance.
Pest Control
- Monitor plants closely for signs of pests like spider mites, scale, or aphids.
- Remove infected areas immediately and use organic pesticides if infestations persist.
- Improve airflow and avoid overcrowding to help prevent pest issues.
Winter Protection
- Shelter plants from harsh winds and extreme cold in winter with burlap or frost blankets.
- Apply 3-4 inches of bark mulch around the base to insulate roots from freezing temperatures.
Harvesting Wintergreen’s Aromatic Leaves
When those glossy wintergreen leaves beckon, follow these tips for harvesting:
- Gather sharp scissors or gardening shears for a clean cut. Have basket ready for gathering.
- Identify mature leaves by their dark green color and oval shape, about 1-2 inches long.
- Select healthy leaves from stalks around the plant for uniform regrowth. Don’t overharvest.
- Cut leaves near the base of the stalk in the morning on a dry, sunny day.
- Gently rinse leaves and pat dry with a towel or air dry on racks out of direct sunlight.
- Allow leaves to fully dry for 1-2 weeks until crisp. Store in sealed bags or jars.
- Use dried leaves within 1 year for optimal flavor and aroma. Crush just before use to release oils.
Get Creative: Wintergreen Recipes and Crafts
Once harvested, put wintergreen leaves to use in these refreshing recipes and homemade projects:
Wintergreen Desserts
- Wintergreen Chocolate Mousse – Fold crushed leaves into rich chocolate mousse for a minty twist.
- Wintergreen Milkshake – Blend wintergreen leaves with vanilla ice cream and milk for a creamy, chilled treat.
- Wintergreen Cupcakes – Add wintergreen to cupcake batter and frosting for a double dose of flavor.
Wintergreen Beverages
- Wintergreen Iced Tea – Infuse freshly boiled water with wintergreen leaves and chill for refreshing iced tea.
- Wintergreen Lemonade – Steep wintergreen leaves in lemonade or lemon-lime soda for a summery beverage.
- Wintergreen Mojito – Muddle wintergreen leaves and mix with rum, lime, soda water, and mint for a zesty mojito.
Wintergreen Self-Care Products
- Wintergreen Bath Salts – Add wintergreen essential oil to Epsom salts for a relaxing and rejuvenating bath experience.
- Wintergreen Candle – Infuse soy or beeswax candles with wintergreen essential oil for an energizing aroma.
- Wintergreen Skin Salve – Mix wintergreen leaves into skin-soothing salves to ease muscle aches and pains.
Troubleshooting Wintergreen Plants
While relatively trouble-free, be vigilant against these potential issues:
Pests
- Leafspot – Prevent by pruning affected leaves and improving air circulation. Apply fungicides if severe.
- Spider Mites – Knock off with water spray and treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.
- Scale Insects – Wipe off with cotton swab dipped in alcohol or use horticultural oils.
Diseases
- Root Rot – Avoid by planting in well-draining soil and preventing overwatering.
- Powdery Mildew – Promote air circulation and reduce moisture. Apply sulfur fungicide if needed.
- Rust – Pick off infected leaves. Remove fallen leaves promptly to prevent spread.
Companion Planting
Grow wintergreen with other plants that have complementary characteristics:
- Creeping Thyme – Releases fragrance when stepped on, complements wintergreen.
- Lavender – Provides a calming scent that blends well with wintergreen.
- Heather – Adds winter color and thrives in acidic soil like wintergreen.
- Ferns – Enjoy similar growing conditions and provide wintergreen shade.
Key Takeaways for Wintergreen Gardening Success
- Select a site with morning sun and well-drained acidic soil.
- Prepare soil by adding compost and eliminating weeds. Dig in fertilizer.
- Plant wintergreen in spring or fall. Space plants 12 inches apart.
- Consistently water when soil is partly dry. Fertilize in spring and midsummer.
- Prune damaged branches. Monitor for pests and diseases. Add winter mulch.
- Harvest leaves on a dry morning when fully mature. Air dry before storage.
- Savor wintergreen flavor in drinks, desserts, candles, and beauty products.
With its captivating scent and versatility, wintergreen is a treasure for gardens. Follow this guide to savor wintergreen from planting to harvesting.
Selecting the Best Wintergreen Variety
There are several wintergreen varieties to choose from when selecting plants for your garden. Consider these key differences:
- Eastern Teaberry – Low spreading habit, glossy green leaves, native to eastern North America
- Mountain Wintergreen – Upright growth, light green oval leaves, native to western North America
- Creeping Wintergreen – Dense spreading form, small rounded leaves, native to eastern North America
- Western Teaberry – Prostrate habit, leathery rounded leaves with red tints, native to western North America
Choose varieties suited to your region and climate. For low maintenance groundcover, creeping wintergreen is ideal. For border accents, choose upright mountain wintergreen. Consult with local nurseries to select wintergreen varieties that will thrive in your specific area.
Caring for Wintergreen in Different Seasons
Adjust your wintergreen care routine through the seasons:
Spring:
- Apply acidic fertilizer when new growth emerges
- Prune out dead branches and shape plants
- Watch for early pests like leaf miners and aphids
- Mulch to conserve moisture as weather warms
Summer:
- Water 1-2 inches per week during dry spells
- Apply second round of fertilizer in midsummer
- Monitor for spider mites, scale, and other pests
- Prune back any leggy or overgrown sections
Fall:
- Begin to reduce watering as growth slows
- Prune plants for shape before winter
- Selectively harvest leaves for use
- Mulch around bases to protect from early frosts
Winter:
- Discontinue watering until spring
- Check for damage after hard freezes
- Consider protective burlap or frost covers
- Avoid fertilizing until spring growth resumes
Adjusting your seasonal care ensures wintergreen stays healthy year-round. Be attentive to its needs in each climate.
Getting the Most out of Your Wintergreen Harvest
Maximize the yield from your wintergreen patch with these harvesting tips:
- Harvest leaves in the morning after dew dries for highest oil content.
- Use clean, sterilized pruners to avoid transferring diseases between plants.
- Cut leaves with 1-2 inches of stem attached to allow for regrowth.
- Select leaves that are fully mature and dark green in color for optimal flavor.
- Always leave some leaves on the plants to sustain growth after harvesting.
- Gently wash leaves and dry thoroughly on racks out of sunlight before storage.
- For storage, pack leaves loosely in jars or sealable bags. Press out excess air.
- Store dried leaves in a cool, dark place and use within 1 year for best quality.
- To preserve oils, crush leaves just before use. Rubbing releases more aroma.
- Freeze leaves in airtight bags for 6-12 months if not drying fully.
With some care and finesse, your wintergreen harvest can provide abundant leaves for year-round enjoyment.
Expanding Your Wintergreen Patch
Once established, wintergreen spreads readily, allowing you to expand your productive patch:
Propagating from seed:
- Collect seed pods in late summer when ripe and dry.
- Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in pots indoors. Keep soil moist and warm.
- Transplant seedlings when a few inches tall.
Propagating from cuttings:
- Take 3-4 inch cuttings from stem tips in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves.
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone and plant in potting mix.
- Maintain warm temperature and high humidity until rooted.
Dividing existing plants:
- Dig up a portion of the plant and root ball in early spring.
- Gently separate into pieces, retaining some roots.
- Replant divisions and water well.
With all these propagation methods, your wintergreen oasis can continue expanding. Share extras with gardening friends and family!
Designing a Wintergreen Rock Garden
Create a colorful wintergreen accent in your landscape with a rock garden:
- Select a slope or raised bed with fast drainage and amend soil to be slightly acidic.
- Frame the garden with attractive stones and fill with a mix of gravel and sandy loam.
- Place wintergreen plants 1-2 feet apart in groups among rocks for visual interest.
- Add companion plants like heaths, sedums, thyme for texture and cascading flowers.
- Top dress with a layer of pea gravel to prevent weeds andretain moisture.
- Use boulders, decorative edging, pathways and benches to enhance the design.
- Situate the rock garden near a patio or deck to enjoy the beauty and fragrance.
With creativity and care, you can design a thriving wintergreen rock garden to become a stunning focal point in your yard.
Ideal Companion Plants for Wintergreen
Certain plants make ideal companions for wintergreen by enhancing the aesthetic appeal, growth, or aroma:
- Lavender – Provides a complementary calming scent
- Creeping Thyme – Releases fragrance when stepped on
- Blueberries – Thrive in the same acidic soil conditions
- Rhododendrons – Contrasting flowers and share shade preference
- Ferns – Natural partners, help retain soil moisture
- Primroses – Cheerful early spring blooms near wintergreen
- Wild Ginger – Attractive ground cover for shade and moist areas
- Mosses – Green cushion erupting between wintergreen and rocks
Choosing companion plants suited to wintergreen’s preferences will help create a diverse and thriving garden environment.
Common Wintergreen Pests and Control Methods
While quite hardy, wintergreen can be affected by certain pests. Identify and control them with these organic methods:
Aphids
- Monitor new growth for clusters of small soft-bodied insects.
- Knock off with strong water spray or use insecticidal soap sprays.
Leaf Miners
- Watch for winding trails or blotches on leaves.
- Control by handpicking affected leaves and destroying.
Scale Insects
- Check stems and undersides of leaves for small immobile bumps.
- Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab or horticultural oils.
Spider Mites
- Look for fine webs and yellow speckled foliage.
- Use water spray or introduce predatory mites.
Catch infestations early before they spread and impact plant health. Always start with gentle, non-toxic methods first.
Uses Beyond the Wintergreen Gardening Guide
Explore uses for wintergreen beyond cultivating it in your landscape:
Cooking: Add leaves to cakes, cookies, poached fruits, and marinades for sweet zing. Infuse vinegars, sea salt, sugars, and honey.
Beverages: Brew into teas, add to lemonade or cocktails, and make infused water for a minty refreshment.
Crafts: Add essential oils to candles, soaps, bath products, and potpourri. Dye wool, silk, or cotton with infused vinegar.
Health: Soothe sore muscles with wintergreen essential oil. Freshen breath by chewing leaves. Alleviate headaches by applying oil to temples.
Cleaning: Add the fresh scent of wintergreen to all-natural cleaning products. Deodorize garbage cans and pet areas.
However you choose to use it, wintergreen adds an invigorating and healing touch. Get creative with this aromatic plant beyond the garden!
