Gaultheria procumbens 'Big Berry' Plant - 3Ltr Pot
The Gaultheria procumbens 'Big Berry' is a charming dwarf evergreen shrub prized for its dense, leathery foliage and bright scarlet berries. Ideal for adding year-round interest in shaded garden areas, this spreading groundcover is perfect for borders, rockeries, or woodland gardens.
Key Features- Compact growth habit, reaching only 0.1–0.5 metres in height with a spread up to 1 metre
- Evergreen, rounded leathery leaves that turn reddish in winter for seasonal colour
- Produces delicate small bell-shaped white or pinkish flowers in summer
- Bright scarlet berries approximately 10mm wide appear in late summer and persist into winter
- Thrives in moist but well-drained acidic to neutral soils
- Suitable for full shade or partial shade, making it versatile for different garden spots
- Hardy to -15°C (H5 rating), suitable for most UK climates
Gaultheria procumbens 'Big Berry' is a slow-growing, dwarf evergreen shrub that spreads indefinitely, creating a lush, low-growing carpet. Its rounded, leathery leaves release a pleasant aromatic scent when crushed, adding sensory interest to your garden. The foliage develops a lovely reddish tint during winter, providing vibrant colour through colder months.In summer, clusters of small bell-shaped flowers in white or pinkish hues add delicate beauty, soon followed by bright scarlet berries that remain attractive well into winter. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers shaded or partially shaded positions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or underplanting larger shrubs and trees.
Specifications
- Botanical name: Gaultheria procumbens 'Big Berry' ('Gaubi' PBR)
- Common name: Checkerberry 'Big Berry'
- Plant type: Dwarf evergreen shrub
- Ultimate height: 0.1–0.5 metres
- Ultimate spread: 0.5–1 metre
- Time to ultimate size: 5–10 years
- Flower colour: White or pinkish, bell-shaped
- Fruit: Bright scarlet berries, 10mm wide
- Leaf: Rounded, leathery, evergreen, reddish in winter
- Soil types: Clay, loam, sand
- Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
- Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
- Light: Full shade to partial shade
- Aspect: East, north, west or south-facing
- Exposure: Suitable for exposed or sheltered sites
- Hardiness: Hardy to -15°C (H5 rating)
- Plant in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
- Prefer shaded or partially shaded areas to avoid leaf scorch
- Mulch regularly to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Water during dry spells, especially in the first growing season
- Minimal pruning required; remove any damaged or dead stems in early spring
- Protect from strong winds and excessive frost in exposed locations
Add Gaultheria procumbens 'Big Berry' to your garden for a year-round evergreen groundcover with vivid berries and fragrant foliage. Perfect for shaded spots, it brings colour, texture, and wildlife interest to any garden setting.
