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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Gaultheria mucronata (syn. Pernettya mucronata) is a dense, suckering, broadleaf evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae family, growing 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall and spreading by underground runners to form thickets 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) wide or wider over time. Leaves are alternate, ovate-elliptic, 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) long, glossy dark green, leathery, with a sharp mucronate (spine-tipped) apex and finely serrated margins. Small, urn-shaped white to pale pink flowers 5–6 mm long appear in late spring, borne singly in leaf axils along the stems. The species is dioecious — both male and female plants must be present for berry production. On female plants, fleshy berries 8–12 mm in diameter ripen from late summer through autumn in colours ranging from white through pink, lilac, purple, and deep magenta-red depending on cultivar. Berries persist through winter into early spring. The suckering habit can become aggressive in moist, acidic soils — plants colonise freely by underground runners. Requires acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0) and does not tolerate alkaline conditions. Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in quantity, causing gastrointestinal irritation.
Native Range
Gaultheria mucronata is native to southern Chile and Argentina, from approximately 35°S latitude south to Tierra del Fuego, where it grows in temperate rainforests, scrublands, and moorlands from sea level to approximately 6,500 feet (2,000 m) elevation. It also occurs in the Falkland Islands.Suggested Uses
Planted as a low hedge or mass planting, spaced 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) apart. Effective as underplanting beneath taller acid-loving shrubs such as Rhododendron and Camellia. The persistent berries provide winter colour in mixed borders. Used in coastal gardens — tolerates wind and salt-laden air. Plant a male cultivar such as 'Thymifolia' among female selections for reliable berry production.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Small urn-shaped flowers 5–6 mm long open from May through June in the Pacific Northwest. Flowers are white to pale pink, borne singly in leaf axils. Berry development begins in July, with full colour by September–October. Berries persist on female plants through winter until displaced by new growth the following spring.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale pinkFoliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, acidic, well-drained soil with a pH of 4.5–6.0. Space 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) apart. Amend alkaline soils with sulphur and peat to lower pH before planting — the species fails in neutral to alkaline conditions. Plant at least one male for every 4–5 female plants to ensure pollination and berry set. Water regularly during establishment and during summer dry periods. Mulch with 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of pine needle or bark mulch to maintain soil acidity. Monitor suckering at the planting perimeter — install a root barrier or cut runners with a spade annually if spread needs containment.Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove dead or damaged stems. Cut back one-third of the oldest stems to ground level annually to maintain density and rejuvenate the plant. Shear hedged specimens after flowering in late June. Remove suckers extending beyond the desired footprint by severing at ground level with a sharp spade.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons