Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Gaultheria procumbens 'Gaulsidh5'
Cherry Berries Red Wintergreen
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 6 to 12 inches
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches
- Flower color
- White to pale pink
- Foliage color
- Glossy dark green, turning reddish-bronze in winter
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low
- Growing zone
- Zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts birds (berries) and pollinators like bees
About this plant
Gaultheria procumbens 'Gaulsidh5' is a compact evergreen ground cover prized for its glossy, deep green leaves that turn rich shades of red or bronze in cooler months. In summer, delicate bell-shaped white to pale pink flowers appear, hanging gracefully beneath the foliage. These flowers give way to bright red berries in autumn, which persist through winter, providing vibrant color and seasonal interest.
Native to North America, Gaultheria procumbens thrives in woodland environments and is a popular choice for adding texture and visual appeal to shaded areas. The Cherry Berries cultivar is valued for its profusion of fruit and tidy growth habit, making it ideal for borders, rock gardens, or container displays. Its year-round beauty and low-maintenance nature make it a versatile and enduring addition to a variety of garden styles.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Under Trees · Containers · Rock Gardens
Companion plants
Wild ginger · Japanese anemones · Sweet Box · Sweet woodruffs · Bergenias · Hellebores
Design tip
Repeat this evergreen groundcover beneath shrubs and small trees to create a unified woodland floor with year-round appeal. Surround it with contrasting foliage forms and staggered seasonal highlights so flowers, berries, and evergreen texture provide continuous visual interest throughout the year.
