Gaultheria x wisleyensis
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Gaultheria genus in the family Ericaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Genus
- Gaultheria
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 1 m
- Spread
- 1 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - raw or cooked[1]. Not much flavour but reasonably palatable[K].
- Plant part
- Fruit
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A good ground cover for shady situations[3], the plants spread by suckers and form dense thickets[5].
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Soil surface
Environment
- Range
- A hybrid of garden origin, Gaultheria shallon x G. mucronata.
- Habitat
- Not known in the wild.
- Light
- partial sun
- Shade tolerance
- permanent shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- very acid, acid
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[6]. 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[1]. This is a hybrid species and will not breed true. 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[6]. A good percentage usually take. Division in spring when new growth is about 7cm tall. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Prefers a cool moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[1][4]. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil[1]. This species has not as yet got a valid name, having recently been moved from the genus Gaulnettya[4]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[2]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].
References
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2
Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-304-31089-1
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00