Photo of Gaultheria mucronata 'Alba' foliage, fruit by Forestfarm

Photo by Forestfarm

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Gaultheria mucronata 'Alba'

Also Known As

  • Pernettya mucronata 'Alba'
  • White-Fruited Prickly Heath

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 2'-5'
  • W: 2'-6'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

Gaultheria mucronata 'Alba' plant details

Gaultheria mucronata 'Alba' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by pink and white fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in acidic, average, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gaultheria mucronata 'Alba'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 6 FT - wide, 2 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gaultheria mucronata 'Alba'

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: acidic, average, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

P. mucronata is "the showiest of all dwarf evergreens in fruit" (Hillier); this form has marble-like white berries tinged pink (poisonous); wonderful massed as a groundcover. S-PSh/M-W/Acid

Gardening facts about Gaultheria mucronata 'Alba' plant

How to Grow Gaultheria mucronata 'Alba'

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • wind tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Fruit

    • white
    • pink
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Gaultheria for your garden

aka Wintergreen

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 4"-8"

Width: 24"-36"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Gaultheria procumbens foliage, form, fruit by Hedwig Storch
View Plant

aka Gaultheria prostrata, Pernettya prostrata

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 15"-18"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture
Photo of Gaultheria myrsinoides flower, foliage by Franz Xaver
View Plant

aka Salal, Shallon

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 1'-5'

Width: 5'-6'

  • mostly sun - shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Gaultheria shallon foliage by Briggs Plant Propagators
View Plant

More Options

aka Gaulnettya x wisleyensis 'Wisley Pearl', Gaultheria X Gaulnettya wisleyensis 'Wisley Pearl', Gaulthettya wisleyensis, X Gaulnettya wisleyensis

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 18"-36"

Width: 24"-48"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Gaultheria x wisleyensis 'Wisley Pearl' flower by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

More Options

aka Hybrid Wintergreen

Plant Type

Shrub, Groundcover

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Gaultheria x wisleyensis flower, foliage by Far Reaches Farm
View Plant

More Options

+26 more Gaultheria
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