
<








>
GAULTHERIA
Commonly known as Box berry, Mountain tea, Salal, Shallon
(Formerly PERNETTYA) All flower MAY
Genus of about 170 species of evergreen shrubs, some rhizomatous, widely distributed in woodland and open, moist, rocky places in the Himalayas, eastern Asia, Australasia and North, Central and South America.
Wintergreen oil, from G. procumbens is the common flavouring for toothpaste and mouthwash (Listerine) and was well-known as a muscle rub.
Plant Details
-
Good to know
Good for game cover and shelter for wildlife. -
Pests & Diseases
None -
Place of origin
Western North America. -
Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
-
EvergreenRed shoots and broadly oval, sharp-pointed, bristly toothed, glossy, dark-green leaves to 10cm (4in) long.
-
White
Tinged pink. -
Height
1.2cm (4ft) -
Spread
1.5m (5ft) -
FruitPlants which produce an edible or ornamental fruitEdible fruits known as Salal in the Pacific Northwest, not as tasty as blueberries, but edible nonetheless
-
Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightCompact, bushy shrub spreading vigorously by suckers. Flowers in arching racemes to 10cm (4in) long of broadly urn-shaped flowers.
-
Mature Size1.2cm (4ft)
1.5m (5ft)
Planting Tips and Care Advice
-
Garden Location/Conditions
Bog gardenWoodland garden
-
Soil Conditions
Neutral to acid soilPeaty and moistWet or boggy soil
-
Sun Requirements
Partial shade
Gaultheria - Growing Guide