How to Grow a Teaberry Plant

The teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens), also known as wintergreen, is a low-growing, evergreen plant native to the eastern United States and Canada. Spreading by underground stems, the teaberry produces bell-shaped white flowers followed by red berries. Teaberries are used to flavor candy, medicine, gum and tea. The berries are used in teaberry wine, while the leaves are the main ingredient in wintergreen wine.

Shovel
Compost
Sphagnum moss
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Select a shady or partially shaded location in the garden. Teaberry plants naturally grow in wooded areas under evergreen trees and in sphagnum moss bogs.
- 2
  Dig a hole 2 feet in diameter and 8 to 12 inches deep.
- 3
  Mix the excavated soil with equal parts compost and sphagnum moss. Return half the soil mixture to the planting hole, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- 4
  Remove the teaberry plant from the grower's pot. Place the plant in the center of the planting hole and backfill with the soil mixture. Tamp gently. Set aside any excess soil mixture for use with other acid-loving plants.
- 5
  Water thoroughly. Continue to water regularly, when the soil is dry to the touch.
- 6
  Add 3 to 4 inches of mulch around the teaberry plant, pulling the mulch back 2 inches from the stems.
- 7
  Rake the mulch back and add more compost and sphagnum moss around the plant in early spring. Re-cover the soil with fresh mulch.

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