White Waxberry
Gaultheria appressa
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
Gaultheria appressa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral 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): 2
Where it is found
Wet eucalyptus forests, especially in sub-alpine regions, and alpine gullies in New South Wales and Victoria.
Australia - New South Wales, Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. Somewhat bitter. The fruit is about 7 - 10mm wide.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in sun or semi-shade. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil. This species is of unknown cold-tolerance in Britain, though it is hardy to -7°c in Australian gardens. This cannot be translated directly to British gardens however, due to our cooler summers and longer, colder and wetter winters. It should be worthwhile trying it out in a sheltered position in the milder areas of the country. This species is closely related to G. hispida. 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. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Layering.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist