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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Gaultheria procumbens 'Gaulsidh5'

Cherry Berries Red Wintergreen

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)