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Description
Gaultheria Parvula, also known as the Alpine Wintergreen, is a low-growing evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in the Rocky Mountains, Cascade Range, and Sierra Nevada. The plant is highly valued for its ornamental features, including its glossy foliage, bell-shaped flowers, and bright red berries. Gaultheria Parvula is commonly used for ground cover, rock gardens, and borders.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Gaultheria |
Appearance
Gaultheria Parvula is a small, spreading shrub that grows up to 6 inches tall and 18 inches wide. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and up to 1 inch long. The plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are white or pinkish and bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by bright red berries that persist through the winter months. Gaultheria Parvula is also known for its strong, pleasant fragrance.
Care Guide
Gaultheria Parvula is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:
- Water: Gaultheria Parvula prefers consistently moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought once established. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize Gaultheria Parvula with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid fertilizing in the fall or winter.
- Soil: Gaultheria Parvula prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Sunlight: Gaultheria Parvula prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some sun, but too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: Gaultheria Parvula is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gaultheria Parvula is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by the following:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use a miticide to control spider mites.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Gaultheria Parvula is native to North America and can be found in the Rocky Mountains, Cascade Range, and Sierra Nevada. It grows in a variety of habitats, including subalpine meadows, coniferous forests, and rocky slopes. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Gaultheria Parvula tolerate dry soil?
A: Gaultheria Parvula prefers consistently moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought once established.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Gaultheria Parvula?
A: Gaultheria Parvula is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for Gaultheria Parvula?
A: Fertilize Gaultheria Parvula with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid fertilizing in the fall or winter.
Q: What is the ideal habitat for Gaultheria Parvula?
A: Gaultheria Parvula grows in a variety of habitats, including subalpine meadows, coniferous forests, and rocky slopes. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
Related Plants
- Gaultheria Hispidula
- Gaultheria Procumbens
- Gaultheria Shallon
- Gaultheria Trichophylla
References
- “Gaultheria parvula.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 19, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277361&isprofile=0&basic=gaultheria%20parvula.
- “Gaultheria parvula.” Plant Database. Accessed October 19, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GAPA2.
- “Gaultheria parvula.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed October 19, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=GAPA2.
