Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)

Gaultheria procumbens is an excellent low-growing shrub with seasonally colorful foliage and bright red edible berries throughout winter. You can crush or break the foliage with your fingers and smell the intoxicating wintergreen scent. The berries are an excellent food source for wildlife. 

This delightful plant has a host of other common names including Checkerberry, Boxberry, Gingerberry, Spiceberry, American Mountain Tea, and many more. It is resistant to both pests and diseases. Wintergreen is a winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. It's great to have around the holidays as well as the rest of the year. 

Gaultheria procumbens is a great choice for borders, beds, urban gardens, rock gardens, slopes, and container growing. It prefers to have partial to full shade, especially in hotter climates, and has a wide range of growth zones: 3-9. Be sure to plant well-draining (preferably acidic) soil. Hardy to -35°F when protected from windchill.