Gaultheria procumbens Big Berry ('Gaubi'PBR)
checkerberry [Big Berry]
A dwarf evergreen shrub to 15cm in height, spreading indefinitely, with rounded leathery leaves, aromatic when crushed and turning reddish in winter. Small, bell-shaped white or pinkish flowers in summer are followed by scarlet berries 10mm in width
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Red | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White Pink | Green | ||
Autumn | Green Red | |||
Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Suckering, Matforming
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Gaultheria are evergreen, often dioecious, shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and small, bell-shaped white or pink flowers, followed by long lasting fleshy fruits in various colours
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist acidic or neutral pH soils in shade or partial shade. For planting in containers, use an ericaceous compost (for acid lovers)
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.