Botanical name:

Gaultheria depressa 

Common name(s):

Mountain snow berry, alpine wax berry

About:

A prostrate plant characterised by its creeping, rooting branches and small, rounded, leathery leaves. As spring emerges, small white flowers begin to bloom, adding to the plant's charm, and the subsequent snowberries that develop range in colour from pure white to vibrant red. This fascinating species can be found thriving in the two main islands, especially in subalpine areas that rise up to 1500 m above sea level.

Natural habitat: 

Rocky subalpine to alpine areas up to 1500m

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North & South Islands.

Height: 20cm

Flowering: 

September - January with a Red/Pink or White coloured flowers   

Fruiting:

Autumn with a red or white coloured fruit.

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian Plantings.

How to grow:

Grown from fresh seed, cuttings or division. It is suitable for rockeries in gardens in temperate climates and prefers well-drained acidic soil in part shade.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though