Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
If stunning ground cover is what you are after, then Winter Splash Variegated Wintergreen™ may just be the answer. Botanically known as Gaultheria procumbens Winter Splash™, this variegated evergreen dwarf shrub is rather unusual. Featuring a 4 to 6-inch high cover of green and white variegated leaves that tinge pink in winter, it also develops small white blooms in summer that give way to red berries.
Generally unfazed by disease or pests, Winter Splash Variegated Wintergreen™ is easy to grow and care for. Native to North America, it is part of the Ericaceae family and is adaptable for growing in zones 3 to 8. With a creeping habit, Winter Splash Variegated Wintergreen™ is perfect for naturalizing, adding to rock gardens, providing attractive groundcover and even growing in a container.
Winter Splash Variegated Wintergreen™ Care
Although tolerant of full shade, partial shade may help bring out the pink in the foliage. When it comes to the soil, it prefers a neutral to acidic substrate that is moist but free draining. To maintain plant health and its lush foliage, consistent moisture is required, especially during dry spells. The Winter Splash Variegated Wintergreen™ does not strictly require any supplementary fertilization. Nevertheless, you can apply an organic fertilizer in spring to help promote new growth.
Pruning is not required for this slow-growing cultivar, but it can be trimmed in spring. To help conserve moisture, you can apply a mulch of peat moss in spring as well.
Winter Splash Variegated Wintergreen™ Spacing
A plant spacing of around one foot is recommended, as the Winter Splash Variegated Wintergreen™ remains compact at 4 to 6 inches high and 10 to 12 inches wide.
Winter Splash™ Variegated Wintergreen Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Shade to Part Shade (0-4 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 6-11 Inches
- Mature Spread
- 6-11 Inches
- Growth Habit
- , Spreading
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green, White
- Foliage Description
- Showy white and green leaves that turn pink in the winter
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen, Variegated
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Winter Splash™ Variegated Wintergreen
- Also Known As
- Winter Splash Variegated Wintergreen
- Botanical Name
- Gaultheria procumbens Winter Splash
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!