Family: Ericaceae

Many of these evergreen shrubs are found in Central and South America, with some species from Asia and North America, and a few native to Australia and New Zealand. They have attractive, shiny leaves and berry fruit, some yielding aromatic oils, and pink or white, heath-like flowers. The smaller species are suitable for rock gardens.

Species

G. antipoda, zone 9, one of the New Zealand species, grows to around 1.5 m (S ft), sometimes in trailing form. It has small, oblong leaves and persistent, single, white or pink, fra­grant flowers in summer. The berries are red or white.

G. procumbens, wintergreen or moun­tain tea, zone 4, is a trailing shrub, 5-15 cm (2-6 in) high, with white or pink flowers and bright red berries that produce an aromatic oil used in tobacco and medicinally. It is useful for growing in rockeries.

G. rupestris, zone 7, from New Zealand, generally has an upright, branch­ing habit, growing to a height and spread of 2 m (6 ft). It has oblong, leathery leaves and clusters of white flowers.

G. shallon, zone 6, from the north-west of the United States and western Canada, grows to 2 m (6 ft), with pretty pink or white flowers. Known locally as salal, it is used by florists quite often. It is generally known by them as lemonleaf.

Cultivation

These plants like a well-drained, sandy, lime-free soil and partial sun. They should be kept moist at all times. Plant in autumn or spring where they are to grow. Propagate by seed, suckers, cuttings or division.

Climate

There are species suited to various cli­matic zones.