{"product_id":"gaultheria-procumbens-checkerberry","title":"Gaultheria procumbens - Checkerberry","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis evergreen groundcover produces bright red berries and fragrant white to pink flowers from late spring to early summer, creating year-round interest in your garden. Hardy to -20°C, it thrives in the UK’s cooler climate and is perfect for adding texture and colour to shaded areas or woodland gardens. Compact and easy to care for, this low-growing shrub works well as ground cover or in containers.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGaultheria procumbens\u003c\/b\u003e, also known as \u003cb\u003eCheckerberry\u003c\/b\u003e, is a native North American plant with a creeping, spreading habit. It features glossy, dark green leaves that turn a deep red in the autumn before dropping in winter. In addition to its showy berries, it produces small, bell-shaped flowers in the summer, which are followed by edible red berries that persist throughout the winter. The plant’s aromatic foliage releases a minty scent when crushed, adding extra sensory interest to your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xhtml\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" dir=\"ltr\" border=\"1\" data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e \u003ccol width=\"97\"\u003e \u003ccol width=\"92\"\u003e \u003ccol width=\"178\"\u003e \u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Perennial\"}'\u003ePerennial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Flower: clustered flowers on taller stems\"}'\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBushy ground-covering growth habit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Flowers June to August\"}'\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eFlowers: Late spring to early summer, foliage: evergreen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eGaultheria procumbens\u003c\/i\u003e (sprawling, aromatic plant)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eCheckerberry, Wintergreen, Boxberry\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to North America, particularly in the eastern United States and Canada.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePruning Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eTrim back any dead or damaged growth in early spring to maintain a neat appearance. No major pruning is necessary, as this plant naturally maintains a compact form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWildlife Value\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe red berries provide a valuable food source for birds, especially in winter when other food sources are scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositioning\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded corners. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but may require extra water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep soil consistently moist, especially in hot weather, but avoid waterlogging. It’s quite drought-tolerant once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers acidic, well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. It is ideal for acidic soils found in woodland or heathland areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed with a slow-release, balanced fertiliser in spring for best results, but avoid over-fertilising as it can cause excessive growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eToxic to pets—berries and leaves should be kept out of reach of animals and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eCheckerberry thrives in acidic, slightly moist conditions and benefits from being planted alongside other shade-loving plants. It can also be grown in containers for a pop of colour on patios or shaded balconies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"10.5cm","offer_id":54838082797949,"sku":"5262895652371","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/gaultheria-procumbens-checkerberry-833149.jpg?v=1733119822","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.live\/products\/gaultheria-procumbens-checkerberry","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}