Gaultheria procumbens Gaubi

Gaultheria procumbens 'Gaubi' or Big Berry is a variety of creeping Gaultheria selected for its abundant winter fruiting of large, bright red berries. It is a small bush with a dwarf and spreading habit, with suckering branches that bear attractive dark green evergreen foliage that turns reddish in autumn. It produces delicate, small, bell-shaped white-pink flowers in July-August. These flowers then transform into large, highly visible fruits that completely cover the plant from October to March. It can enhance the landscape all year round, whether in beds or decorative pots. However, it is often found in the market, potted and presented as a round plant covered in bright red fruits, especially during the holiday season. It has become an essential part of holiday decorations. This hardy plant can withstand cold temperatures, but it requires acidic, moist, well-drained soil and shade or partial shade to thrive.

The creeping Gaultheria, Gaultheria procumbens in Latin, belongs to the ericaceae family, which includes 128 genera, such as heathers (Erica), blueberries (Vaccinium), rhododendrons (Rhodendron), azaleas (Azalea)... It is also sometimes called Canadian tea or wintergreen. It originates from the acidic undergrowth of the large forests of North America, Canada, and China. This herbaceous plant forms a creeping bush that does not exceed 15 to 20 cm in height and 30 to 40 cm in width. It develops slightly running underground stems that become aerial over time. These stems bear small, dark green, glossy, lanceolate leaves measuring 3 to 5 cm, which are leathery and alternate. They turn purple in autumn. When crushed, the leaves release an almond-like fragrance similar to that of meadowsweet. The species procumbens is monoecious, with male and female flowers borne on the same plant. The solitary, waxy, white-pink bell-shaped flowers appear in the leaf axils. After being pollinated by insects, they produce many round and shiny, bright red berries, measuring 5 to 6 mm in diameter. These berries persist on the plant from October to March and can be enjoyed as a treat by some birds.

The 'Gaubi' variety, also commercially known as BIG BERRY, is a horticultural selection that possesses all the characteristics of the species, with the distinction of having larger fruits (8 to 10 mm in diameter) and more abundant fruiting. Extremely hardy (to -35°C), it also withstands drought once established. However, it is sensitive to limestone. It prefers an acidic to neutral, well-drained soil without stagnant moisture. Easy to grow and virtually maintenance-free, this Gaultheria only requires light pruning in March-April to remove the remaining fruits, contain the plant within the desired space, and promote the growth of fresh foliage. Its low, dense, and compact growth allows it to be used in ground cover beds, as borders for beds, for slope or rock garden landscaping, as well as for undergrowth coverage. However, it should always be protected from excessively hot sun exposure. In acidic soil, Gaultherias form beautiful carpets at the base of larger shrubs, such as mountain laurel, rhododendrons, camellias, deciduous azaleas, andromedas... When grown in pots or containers, it enriches balconies, window sills, and verandas with its intense red fruiting.

Gaultheria procumbens is a small ornamental plant with many virtues. In North American regions, it is called Canadian tea or wintergreen because its leaves are used to make tea. The berries are also incorporated into pies, sweets, and ice creams. When crushed, the leaves and flowers release a delightful fragrance. The leaves are rich in methyl salicylate, the molecule that is the basis of aspirin. Thus, Gaultheria produces an essential oil with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Be careful not to let children play with its attractive berries, as even though they have therapeutic benefits, an incorrect dosage of medicinal plants can be toxic.