wintergreen

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) should be watered once every 3 weeks using only 2 to 3 inches of water. It prefers moist soil, so the frequency of watering may need to be adjusted depending on the soil type and the climate in the area. When watering wintergreen, it is important to provide enough to hydrate the roots but not too much which can cause root rot. During the growing season, water deeply to encourage strong root growth, while during the winter and other dormant seasons a light top watering to keep the soil slightly moist.

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) benefits from partial shade, ideally receiving several hours of filtered or indirect light daily. Planting wintergreen in a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade is ideal. These sun-loving shrubs can tolerate up to 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but no more than that. Too much sun can cause scorching of the foliage and cause the shrub to look scorched, yellow, and wilted.

Wintergreen should be pruned in late winter or early spring, taking care to not remove more than 25-30% of the plant. Pruning should focus on removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any branches that cross over and rub each other. Also remove any stems that are growing back into the center of the plant, or any that are too close together. Pruning wintergreen helps to keep the plant from getting unwieldy and to maintain air circulation and light. This type of pruning is much less severe than other species, as it's 1 of the most tolerant plants when it comes to pruning.