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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 6 to 12 inches
Width: Up to 18 inches
Flower color: Small white to pinkish flowers
Foliage color: Green with creamy white margins (variegated)
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Partial to full shade
Water: Well-drained soil; prefers consistent moisture
Maintenance: Low maintenance
Growing zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8
Wildlife: Berries attract birds

Groundcovers

Gaultheria procumbens ‘Winter Splash’

Winter Splash Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens 'Winter Splash' produces nodding, urn-shaped white flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting bees and other pollinators before giving way to bright red berries that persist into winter. Glossy, oval leaves are richly variegated with deep green centers and creamy white margins that develop rosy pink and burgundy highlights during colder weather. The evergreen foliage forms a dense, low-growing carpet, while the berries provide long-lasting color and are often displayed alongside the colorful winter leaves.

Light

Partial to full shade

Water

Well-drained soil; prefers consistent moisture

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Woodland Gardens
Under Trees
Containers
Rock Gardens

Companion plants

Wild ginger · Foamflowers · Sweet Box · Astilbes · Bergenias · Hellebores

Design tip

Use repeating drifts beneath evergreen shrubs and deciduous trees to brighten shaded planting areas throughout every season. Blend variegated foliage with darker green companions to create contrast while berries provide colorful accents that draw the eye during autumn and winter.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)