Spotted Wintergreen

Spotted wintergreen should be watered deeply once a week during the active growing season, which is typically spring and summer. During this time, water the plant until the soil is moist but not saturated. During the rest of the year (fall and winter), watering can be reduced to once every 2 weeks. It is important to avoid overwatering and to check the soil moisture before watering to ensure it is not already too moist. Additionally, the plant should avoid being exposed to too much direct sunlight during the hotter summer months and should receive some protection from the heat.

Spotted Wintergreen is native to the eastern United States and Canada and prefers shady conditions. The plant thrives in partial to full shade and requires an average of 2-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it is important to note that direct sunlight might scorch the delicate leaves of the plant, so it is important to observe the plant closely to ensure it is not receiving too much sunlight. Furthermore, during the winter months the plant should receive no direct sunlight as the winter sun is often too strong for its delicate foliage. The best practice is to ensure the plant receives alternating periods of full sunlight and shaded conditions.

Spotted Wintergreen plants should be pruned in early spring before any new growth appears. Prune off dead or damaged stems and any branches that are growing in a direction you do not prefer. Care should be taken when pruning to not damage living stems or buds. Prune back approximately 1 third of the plant's total height to encourage some new growth and flower production. Light shaping of the plant can also be performed in the early spring but should not result in removing more than 1 quarter of the branches or shoots.