Gaultheria procumbens ‘Winter Fiesta™’
Overview
Uses: Groundcover for shaded beds, woodland borders, naturalized plantings, containers, and winter interest displays.
Benefits: A low-growing evergreen groundcover prized for glossy foliage, bright red winter berries, and reliable spreading habit. Provides year-round texture with strong cold-season color and ornamental fruit.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Sun: Partial Sun to Full Shade
Life Cycle: Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Groundcover, Spreading — low mat-forming stems that root as they spread.
Bloom Color: White
Foliage Color: Dark Green, maturing to Bronze in winter
Mature Height: 4"–6"
Mature Width: 12"–18"
Bloom Season: Summer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Winter Fiesta™ Wintergreen delivers dependable evergreen coverage with vivid red berries that brighten the garden through winter.
This compact woodland groundcover forms a dense, glossy green mat that shifts to bronzy tones in cold weather. Small white summer flowers give way to long-lasting red berries that provide seasonal contrast beneath trees and shrubs. Its restrained spread and low profile make it ideal for naturalizing shaded spaces without overwhelming neighboring plants.
Whether used beneath larger shrubs, along shaded borders, or in winter containers, it offers consistent texture and year-round structure in areas where many plants fade from view.
Care
Winter Fiesta™ Wintergreen Care
Plant in acidic, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid alkaline soils, which may cause foliage discoloration and reduced vigor.
Provide partial shade to full shade for best performance. In cooler climates, it tolerates brighter filtered light, but protection from harsh afternoon sun is recommended in warmer regions.
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment. A layer of mulch helps maintain consistent moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Apply a slow release fertilizer in early spring to support steady growth.
Little pruning is required. Trim lightly in early spring to remove winter-damaged foliage if needed.
Container Growing: Wintergreen performs well in shaded containers using acidic, well-draining potting mix. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering than in-ground plantings. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the Winter Fiesta™ Wintergreen for Sale Online?
Plants ship in greenhouse-grade grow pots and are well established prior to shipping. For current pot sizes and availability, please contact us.
How Large Does Winter Fiesta™ Wintergreen Grow?
Mature plants typically reach 4–6 inches tall and spread 12–18 inches wide, gradually forming a dense, uniform evergreen mat.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
It is commonly known as American Wintergreen or Eastern Teaberry.
Does Winter Fiesta™ produce berries?
Yes. White summer flowers develop into bright red berries that persist through fall and winter, providing extended ornamental interest.
Is Winter Fiesta™ deer resistant?
This variety is generally avoided by deer due to its aromatic foliage. It pairs well with other deer-resistant perennials and grasses in shaded landscapes.
Is Winter Fiesta™ suitable for native plant gardens?
Gaultheria procumbens is native to eastern North America and performs well in woodland settings. Explore additional selections in our Native Plants of North America collection.
How does it spread over time?
It spreads gradually by underground stems, forming a controlled, uniform carpet without aggressive growth.
