10x Gaultheria Procumbens 'Big Berry' - Bergtheeplanten - buitenplanten - tuinplanten - potplanten

Beautiful foliage and elegant berries: there is hardly any garden plant that tries as hard to get you cheerfully through the dark days as Wintergreen.

Berries and flowers The first thing that stands out about Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) are the berries. They are red and remain on the plant all winter. The foliage is also stunning. The oval leaves are fresh green for most of the year and change to deep red to purple in autumn. This makes the color of the berries stand out even more. However, Wintergreen is also an asset to the garden in spring and summer. In spring, new, fresh green leaves appear, and in summer, the white or light pink flowers show themselves.

Oil and tea In Asia and North America, tea can be made from the leaves of wild Gaultheria. This immediately explains its common name, Wintergreen. Essential oil is also extracted from the green leaves. This has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil has a slight mint scent and is used, among other things, as a massage oil that is said to work for back pain and rheumatism.

Hardy Wintergreen is an easy and hardy garden plant. The best planting spot is in sun or partial shade. When planting, use potting soil with nutrients so that the roots can develop well. Wintergreen can also be used very well in containers and pots on the terrace or a balcony. Make sure there is a hole in the bottom of the pot so that excess (watering) water can drain away. No hole? Then first use a layer of hydro pellets and fresh potting soil on top.