Gaultheria procumbens 'Winter Fiesta™'
Overview
Uses: Groundcover for shaded beds, woodland borders, containers, and winter interest plantings.
Benefits: Evergreen foliage, bright red berries in winter, glossy leaves with cold-season color, and a low-growing, spreading habit ideal for naturalized areas or underplanting shrubs.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8
Sun: Partial Sun to Full Shade
Life Cycle: Evergreen perennial shrub
Mature Height: ~4" – 6"
Mature Width: ~12" – 18"
Bloom Season: Summer (June–July); berries persist through winter
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Summary
Winter Fiesta™ Wintergreen brings lasting color and charm to the garden with its glossy evergreen leaves and cheerful red berries that brighten the landscape through the coldest months.
This compact, spreading groundcover thrives in part shade and woodland conditions, forming a lush green carpet that transitions to deep bronze and burgundy tones in winter. Small white, bell-shaped flowers appear in summer, followed by the signature red fruit that persists well into spring, providing food and shelter for birds and natural beauty for gardeners year-round.
Winter Fiesta™ is perfect for shaded borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings beneath trees and shrubs. Its compact form and evergreen texture make it equally at home in decorative winter containers or holiday arrangements.
Care
Winter Fiesta™ Wintergreen Care
Plant in acidic, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid alkaline conditions, which can cause leaf yellowing and reduced vigor.
Provide partial shade to dappled light for best growth; protect from intense afternoon sun in warmer climates. In cooler zones, it tolerates brighter light.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Wintergreen dislikes drought and benefits from a layer of mulch to maintain even soil moisture and temperature.
Feed lightly in early spring with an acid-forming slow release fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants.
No heavy pruning is needed. Trim lightly in early spring to remove any winter damage or to shape plants in containers.
For mass plantings, space approximately 10" – 12" apart on center for solid groundcover coverage within 2–3 growing seasons.
Size
Size of Winter Fiesta™ for Sale Online
Our plants ship in greenhouse-grade grow pots and are appropriately sized for their containers. For current pot sizes and availability, please contact us.
Size of Winter Fiesta™ When Mature
Expect a dense, spreading evergreen mat approximately 4" – 6" tall and 12" – 18" wide at maturity under average garden conditions.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of Winter Fiesta™ Wintergreen?
Gaultheria procumbens 'Winter Fiesta™'. Commonly known as American wintergreen or eastern teaberry.
Does Winter Fiesta™ produce berries?
Yes. Small white, bell-shaped flowers appear in summer and develop into bright red berries that persist through fall and winter, adding seasonal color and wildlife value.
Is Winter Fiesta™ evergreen year-round?
Yes. The foliage remains evergreen throughout winter, often taking on bronzy or reddish tones in cold weather for added visual interest.
What soil pH is best for wintergreen?
Acidic soils with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0 are ideal. Avoid liming near wintergreen or planting in alkaline soil conditions.
Can Winter Fiesta™ grow in containers?
Yes. It performs beautifully in shaded outdoor containers or as a decorative plant for porch pots and winter arrangements. Ensure well-draining, acidic potting soil.
Is Winter Fiesta™ deer resistant?
Generally, yes. Deer typically avoid wintergreen due to its aromatic foliage, making it a reliable choice for low-maintenance groundcover.
Does Winter Fiesta™ attract pollinators?
Yes. Its small, waxy white flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects in summer, followed by berries enjoyed by birds in winter.
When is the best time to plant wintergreen?
Spring or early fall are ideal planting times, allowing roots to establish before extreme heat or freezing conditions.
How fast does Winter Fiesta™ spread?
It spreads gradually by underground rhizomes, forming a dense, uniform carpet over time without becoming invasive.
