Gaultheria plants
Gaultheria are compact, evergreen shrubs grown for their beautiful, glossy berries which clothe the entire bush in shades of reds, whites and pinks from mid-summer into the autumn. The Pernettya varieties have small, glossy pointed leaves and produce modest, bell-shaped pink or white flowers from late spring into early summer. Native to North America, Gaultheria grow best in partial shade with a thick, impenetrable growth habit that’s ideal for keeping weeds at bay. Many Gaultherias are also known as Pernettya or Prickly Heath, while Gaultheria procumbens goes by the common name of Checkerberry or Wintergreen plant. Checkerberry makes an excellent evergreen ground cover, reaching no more than 30cm (1 foot) high and spreading endlessly. Wintergreen oil is a common flavouring for toothpaste and mouthwash (Listerine) and was well-known as a muscle rub.