Gaultheria pumila leucocarpa
| Gaultheria pumila | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-6.5 |
| Evergreen Cross Pollinated | |
| Height: | 1' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Mid Spring-Late Spring |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Gaultheria pumila leucocarpa
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[1]. 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[K]. 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[K]. 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[2].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 - 6cm long, July/August in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring[1]. A good percentage usually take.
Division in spring just before new growth begins. 'Drop' the plants 12 months earlier by digging them up and replanting them deeper in the soil so that the branches are buried and can form roots. This works best in a sandy soil[1]. It is best to pot up the divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse until they are established. Plant them out in the summer.
Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months[1].
Cultivation: Requires a light well-drained lime-free soil[3].
Spreading rapidly[4][5], this species can be invasive[6].
The plant can make a good nesting place for mice, these mice then eat the bark of the stems in winter causing die-back.
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[3].
Range: Southern S. America - S. Chile.
Habitat: Found as far south as latitude 42° south. Growing in the Andes, it is common on volcanic slopes where it grows up to the snow-line.
Edibility: Fruit - raw or cooked[2][7]. The fruit is about 17 - 22mm in diameter.
Usage: A useful ground cover for sun or light shade, it spreads rapidly.
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Dioecious
Also Known As: Arbutus leucocarpa. Pernettya andina. P. gayana. P. leucocarpa. P. pumila leucocarpa.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Arnold-Forster, William. Shrubs for the Milder Counties.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.