Common Name:

General Information

Gaultheria x wisleyensis is an erect, evergreen shrub that can grow around 100cm tall. The plant spreads by suckers to form a clump of growth[].
Often grown as an ornamental and ground cover plant, the fruit can be eaten.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

A hybrid of garden origin, Gaultheria shallon x Gaultheria mucronata

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Gaultheria x wisleyensis is a fairly hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to about -20°c[].
Prefers a cool moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[, ]. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Not much flavour but reasonably palatable[]. The dark purplish red, fleshy, oblate-globose fruit is around 6mm across, clasped at the base by the enlarged fleshy calyx[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A good ground cover for shady situations[], the plants spread by suckers and form dense thickets[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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[]. This is a hybrid species, producing fertile seed, but will not breed true.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 - 6cm long, mid summer in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring[]. A good percentage usually take.
Division in spring when new growth is about 7cm tall. 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.