Wintergreen is a shrub of the heath family rather small since it measures about 15 cm. It is known for its rather warm and camphoric smell. It produces bright red fruits that resemble blueberries and heather. Its evergreen foliage will beautify your garden during all seasons. Here are all our tips for growing wintergreen.
Where, when and how to grow wintergreen?
Planting usually takes place in the fall, but it can also take place in the spring. This shrub appreciates rather acidic soils such as heather earth and prefers rather shady places. In the ground, allow 1 m between each plant.
If you plant it in a pot, you must make a mixture of one third potting soil with two thirds heather soil. Also make sure the bottom of the pot is well drilled and put clay pebbles in the bottom for drainage. Moreover, just like in the ground, full sun is to be avoided for this shrub.
The interview
Easy to care for, wintergreen does not need regular pruning. You can still prune to restructure or reduce the antlers. Any pruning should be done after the flowering period. As for watering, it must be regular during drought, the rest of the time the plant manages alone in the ground.
Daily use of the plant
The essential oil from this plant is used for back pain, tendinitis or muscle contractures. Thanks to the analgesic action of the methyl salicylate it contains, the oil reduces pain. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, wintergreen also has antidiarrheal properties.
This plant was frequently used by the Indians to relieve headaches and fever. The oil is also used to flavor certain toothpastes and medicines.
Be careful if you are allergic to aspirin, do not consume this plant or the oils derived from it.