Gaultheria pumila

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

Gaultheria pumila is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.6 m (2ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Heath, bogs, swamps, open wet places and woods to 900 metres, north to latitude 50° south in Chile.

S. America - Falklands, S. Chile.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw or cooked. Used like huckleberries. The fruit is up to 22mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a light moist but well-drained humus-rich lime-free soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in a rock garden. Fruits are produced abundantly on plants growing in the wild. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 - 10 weeks and then surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep the compost moist. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 - 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. It is important to water them with care and to ensure that they get plenty of ventilation. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent damping of. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 25mm tall and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seedlings are susceptible to spring frosts so might need some protection for their first few years outdoors. The leaves remain very small for the first few years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 - 6cm long, July/August in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring. A good percentage usually take. Division in spring just before new growth begins. 'Drop' the plants 12 months earlier by digging them up and replanting them deeper in the soil so that the branches are buried and can form roots. This works best in a sandy soil. It is best to pot up the divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse until they are established. Plant them out in the summer. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Andromeda empetrifolia. Arbutus pumila. Pernettya empetrifolia. P. magellanica. P. pumila. (L.f.)Hoo