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Gaultheria shallon

Gaultheria shallon
Gaultheria, Salal, Shallon

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Gaultheria shallon is a small evergreen shrub with dark green leaves that forms a wide, spreading cushion on the ground, wider than it is tall. Gaultheria produces pretty little white-pink flowers in spring, followed by decorative purple fruits in autumn, then becoming black when ripe. Planted in neutral to acidic, humus-rich soil that remains moist in summer, this plant naturally spreads by layering. This shrub is ideal in a woodland garden, as it appreciates protective shade.
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
1.20 m
Spread at maturity
1.50 m
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -20°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time February to March, September to October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time May to June
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Description

Gaultheria shallon is an evergreen shrub with dark green foliage, pretty, white-pinkish and bell-shaped flowers in spring, and decorative fruits that turn from purple to black in autumn. With an average height of 1.20m (3 ft 11 in), it spreads in width over time through natural layering. Intolerant to limestone, Gaultheria (or salal) grows in neutral to acidic soil, sufficiently humus-rich, remaining moist in summer but well-drained. Resistant to cold, this shrub grows in semi-shade, on the edge or under the cover of trees that will protect it from the sun and provide it with a damp atmosphere.

Gaultheria shallon is a plant of the Ericaceae family (the heathers) and more precisely of the Vaccinioideae subfamily (the blueberries). This lineage is evident through all the attributes of this shrub, from its soil requirements, its typical, bell-shaped flowers with fused-petals, to its small black fruits resembling blueberries, edible but tasteless.

Native to the west coast of North America, Gaultheria forms large vegetative carpets in Californian conifer forests subject to coastal fog. This natural habitat explains the preference of this shrub for freshness and its sensitivity to summer drought. The Gaultheria is a shrub with dense foliage that forms large carpets on the ground and can become invasive.

In our gardens, the Gaultheria is primarily used for its ornamental qualities. Its ovoid evergreen leaves, light green when they emerge, become dark when mature. The flowering occurs in May-June, in the form of clusters of small bells about one centimeter in size, with a beautiful white-pink colour enhanced by red petioles. Purple fruits follow the flowers and turn black in late summer and autumn. The shrub reaches a height of 1.20m (maximum 1.50m (4 ft 11 in)) with a spread of 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) or more, as it spreads through natural layering, with the branches touching the ground eventually rooting, to form a new clump. It thus forms a dense vegetative carpet covering the ground.
The Gaultheria is not a difficult plant as long as it is given a suitable location, under the branches of trees, and especially if its edaphic (soil) requirements are met. It needs freshness, especially in summer, but not excessive moisture, especially in winter. It does not tolerate limestone and can only be planted in neutral to acidic soil. Hardy up to -20 °C (-4 °F), it does not fear winter frosts in well-drained soil.

With its wild appearance, Gaultheria shallon will perfectly integrate into a natural garden setting. Birch trees planted in groups will provide the shade it needs and create a particularly aesthetic decorative bark scene. The superb Himalayan birch, grown alongside Betula albosinensis 'Fascination' - which well deserves its name with its beige-orange bark - or the 'Shiloh Splash' birch with its beautifully variegated white foliage, will thus form a small grove of reasonable size and compatible with most gardens. The Gaultheria will remain low enough so as not to hide these decorative barks and will cover the ground at the foot of these beautiful small trees.
In milder climates, Erica canaliculata, with dimensions comparable to the Gaultheria and sharing the same cultural requirements, will create a wild scene under the light cover of tall trees.

Gaultheria shallon in pictures

Gaultheria shallon  (Flowering) Flowering
Gaultheria shallon  (Foliage) Foliage
Gaultheria shallon  (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.20 m
Spread at maturity 1.50 m
Habit creeping
Growth rate normal
Suckering/invasive plant

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time May to June
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 1 cm
Fruit colour black

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Gaultheria

Species

shallon

Family

Ericaceae

Other common names

Gaultheria, Salal, Shallon

Origin

North America

Product reference1001141

Other Gaultheria

13
From 5,90 € 8/9 cm pot

Available in 2 sizes

Planting and care

Gaultheria shallon likes neutral to acidic soils and cannot tolerate limestone. It is therefore a strict calcifuge plant, which will thrive in a fresh, humus-rich substrate, but well-drained. In the presence of a slightly heavy soil, sand (non-limestone) should be incorporated to prevent stagnant water. Similarly, a soil that is too sandy should be enriched with compost or ericaceous compost to maintain moisture in summer. In summary, this small shrub needs freshness, even humidity, but it fears both summer drought and excess water in winter.


Therefore, it should be planted in a semi-shaded location on the edge of a woodland, or even in a shaded spot in the undergrowth of trees to provide it with an ideal growing environment. Under these conditions, Gaultheria will thrive and spread naturally by layering. Since the soil should not dry out, it is necessary to monitor in summer and intervene if necessary, making sure to water with soft water (for example, rainwater collected in a reservoir).

Planting period

Best planting time February to March, September to October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Edge of border
Hardiness Hardy down to -20°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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