Creeping Wintergreen Seeds

Creeping Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), also known as Teaberry, is a charming and hardy evergreen ground cover that adds both aesthetic and functional value to your garden. Known for its glossy green leaves, aromatic berries, and small, delicate flowers, this native North American plant thrives in shaded woodland gardens, making it an excellent choice for areas with dappled sunlight. The plant’s red berries are edible and have a unique, wintergreen flavor, often used in teas, jams, and other culinary delights. The attractive white to pinkish flowers, combined with its easy-to-grow nature, make Creeping Wintergreen a perfect addition to shady spots in your garden.

With 20 seeds, you can cultivate this hardy, evergreen shrub in your own garden, creating a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover that thrives in the shade and provides edible berries year-round.

Key Features:

• Evergreen Ground Cover: Creeping Wintergreen is an evergreen plant, maintaining its glossy green foliage throughout the year, providing visual interest even in winter months.
• Edible Berries: The plant produces small, red, edible berries with a distinct wintergreen flavor. These berries are commonly used in teas, jams, and as flavoring in various culinary recipes.
• Aromatic Flowers: The small, bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, offering a pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators like bees.
• Low Maintenance: This hardy plant is easy to grow and requires little care once established, making it perfect for beginner gardeners or those looking for a low-maintenance option.
• Shade Tolerant: Creeping Wintergreen thrives in shady or partially shaded environments, making it an ideal choice for woodland gardens or under trees.
• Wildlife-Friendly: The plant’s berries are a food source for birds, and its flowers attract beneficial pollinators, making it a great addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.

Growing Information:

Light:
Creeping Wintergreen grows best in partial to full shade, thriving in woodland gardens or areas that receive dappled sunlight. It will tolerate some sun, but too much direct exposure may cause the plant to dry out or struggle. Ideal locations include shaded spots under trees or along the edges of wooded areas.

Soil:
This plant prefers acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. It does well in loamy or sandy soils, as long as the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. Adding mulch can help retain moisture and improve soil structure.

Planting Tips:
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. The seeds require a period of cold stratification to germinate, so place them in the refrigerator for about 30 days before planting. After stratification, sow the seeds in a seed-starting tray with a well-draining potting mix, lightly covering them with soil. Keep the soil moist and warm (around 70°F / 21°C) for the best germination results. Once seedlings have developed, transplant them into your garden after the danger of frost has passed. Plant the seeds or seedlings in a shaded location with space for spreading—about 12-18 inches apart.

Watering:
Creeping Wintergreen prefers consistently moist soil, especially in the warmer months. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist, but ensure that the area is well-drained to avoid waterlogging. During dry spells, additional watering may be needed. Mulching around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and protect the roots.

Temperature:
Creeping Wintergreen thrives in moderate climates, making it suitable for USDA Zones 3-7. It can tolerate cold temperatures and remains evergreen through the winter, providing year-round interest. However, it is sensitive to heat, so it is best suited for cooler climates or shaded areas in warmer regions.

Benefits:

• Edible and Flavorful Berries: The red berries produced by Creeping Wintergreen have a unique wintergreen flavor, making them a great addition to herbal teas, jams, and as a flavoring in other foods.
• Evergreen Ground Cover: The plant’s glossy, dark green leaves stay vibrant year-round, making it an excellent option for low-maintenance ground cover that adds color to shaded garden areas.
• Shade Tolerance: Ideal for gardens with limited sunlight, Creeping Wintergreen thrives in the shade, making it an excellent choice for areas under trees or in woodland gardens.
• Wildlife Habitat: The berries are a food source for birds, while the flowers attract pollinators like bees, making it a valuable plant for wildlife-friendly gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Creeping Wintergreen is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care once established, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
• Fragrant Flowers: In addition to its edible berries, the plant produces sweet-smelling, bell-shaped flowers that enhance the sensory appeal of your garden.

Growing Zones:
Creeping Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is hardy in USDA Zones 3-7, making it suitable for a wide range of climates, from cooler northern areas to more temperate southern regions.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Ground Cover: Plant Creeping Wintergreen as a low-maintenance ground cover in shaded areas or under trees. Its evergreen foliage will help suppress weeds and create a lush, carpet-like effect.
• Woodland Gardens: This plant thrives in woodland settings and is perfect for filling in shady spots where other plants may struggle.
• Edible Landscaping: Incorporate Creeping Wintergreen into an edible landscape. The aromatic berries can be harvested for use in homemade teas, jams, or culinary recipes.
• Pollinator Garden: The plant’s small, bell-shaped flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it an excellent addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Wildlife Garden: The red berries provide food for birds, making it a valuable plant in gardens designed to support wildlife.

Conclusion:
Creeping Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is an attractive, hardy, and functional plant that offers year-round appeal. With its evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers, and edible red berries, this plant is perfect for shaded areas or woodland gardens. Once established, it is low-maintenance and provides numerous benefits, including a food source for wildlife and delicious berries for teas and other recipes. With 20 seeds, you can grow your own Creeping Wintergreen vine and enjoy the beauty and flavor it brings to your garden. Whether you’re looking for an ornamental ground cover, a wildlife-friendly plant, or an edible addition to your garden, Creeping Wintergreen is a great choice.