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Pernettya mucronata
Pernettya mucronata
Pernettya mucronata
Pernettya mucronata
Pernettya mucronata
Pernettya mucronata
Pernettya mucronata
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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty
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We guarantee the quality of our plants for a full growing cycle, and will replace at our expense any plant that fails to recover under normal climatic and planting conditions.
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Pernettya mucronata, or Gaultheria mucronata (the two genera were merged into one, Gaultheria, in 1990), is a small heathland shrub, remarkable for its decorative fruits in autumn and winter. It displays numerous red berries from September, which contrast well with the dark green evergreen foliage. Resistant to frost, they can remain on the plant practically until the next flowering. From May onwards, small white bell-shaped flowers typical of the Ericaceae family, to which Gaultheria belongs, appear. Tolerating morning sun, this shrub thrives in partial shade, in cool and acidic soils. It takes several years to establish itself well and then suckers to form wide cushions 1.20 m (3 ft 11 in) wide and 1 m tall, without becoming invasive.
Pernettya belongs to the Ericaceae, a large plant family comprising about a hundred genera, the most well-known being Rhododendrons, blueberries, heathers (genera Erica, Calluna, Daboecia)... In general, they are known as "heathland plants", i.e. plants that grow in soils composed of organic matter with an acidic pH, with a few exceptions (Mediterranean heather Erica multiflora also grows in slightly alkaline soils...). They can also be recognised by their flowers, usually bell-shaped due to the fusion of the petals (they are called "gamopetalous").
Gaultheria therefore flowers around May, displaying pretty little white bell-shaped flowers characteristic of its botanical family. This rather discreet flowering is nonetheless visible against the shrub's dark green foliage, and its small bell-shaped flowers, about 1 cm (0.4 in) in size, are reminiscent of lilies of the valley. They give rise from September to small berries, 1 cm (0.4 in) or more in diameter, shaped like slightly flattened spheres. Their red colour is particularly decorative, and as they can withstand temperatures as low as -8 to -10 °C (17.6 to 14 °F), they can persist on the plant until the following spring, depending on the year.
Note that this species is dioecious, meaning that individual plants are either male or female, so they should be planted together to ensure good fruiting (1 male plant for every 4 to 5 female plants). Also, be cautious in the garden, as these lovely little fruits are toxic.
In terms of cultivation requirements, Pernettya fits perfectly into the typical general framework of Ericaceae, with a preference for acidic soils (no tolerance for limestone), remaining fresh, especially in summer. This shrub can be planted in the sun in cool climates, but it fears excessive sunlight combined with high temperatures, so in such climatic conditions, it is best to plant it in partial shade.
For lovers of heathland plants who do not have suitable soil, this shrub can be planted in a container, taking care to choose a suitable acidic potting mix, a location protected from direct sunlight, and regular watering. In a garden with acidic or neutral soil enriched with peat, Pernettya can be planted in a bed at the foot of taller heathland plants. Classic options include camellias or rhododendrons, but more original combinations can be created with mountain laurels (Kalmia) with their superb white, pink, or red blooms. The lesser-known but remarkable Sourwood will also be a suitable companion, with its flamboyant autumn colouration enhanced by the contrast with the dark foliage of the Gaultheria.
Pernettya mucronata in pictures
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
For planting in open ground, dig a hole at least 60 cm (23.6 in) wide and deep, or even deeper in neutral soils. In this case, it is necessary to enrich the soil with peat, to be mixed with the existing soil, as well as with ericaceous compost (50% existing soil, 50% added soil). Soak the shrub's root ball in a lime-free water bucket before planting to fully saturate it, and water abundantly after filling the planting hole. Planting in autumn allows the plant to benefit from winter rains, so it is recommended.
Monitor watering carefully during the growing season, as the soil should never dry out. This shrub grows slowly at the beginning, taking 2 to 3 years to establish well. Then, it will sucker to spread and form ground cover cushions. As the roots are quite shallow, it will not become invasive and it is easy to limit its growth if necessary.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
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The flowering period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, etc.)
It will vary according to where you live:
In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands).
It will vary according to where you live:
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.