Shallon
Gaultheria shallon · Ericaceae
📷 Walter Siegmund (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant shallon: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Blooming
- Spring (April-May), white to pale pink flowers
- Mature size
- 3 to 6.5 feet tall × 5 to 6.5 feet wide
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to 5 °F (-15 °C)
- Origin
- West Coast of North America (British Columbia to California)
- Soil type
- Acidic, well-draining, rich in organic matter
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose régulièrement et maintiens le sol humide mais drainé : c'est une plante des zones humides côtières et elle déteste assécher complètement. En pot ou en terre acide, ajoute de la tourbe ou du terreau de bruyère à la plantation pour reproduire son habitat naturel.
The common mistake
La majorité des jardiniers la tue en laissant le sol devenir trop sec entre les arrosages, ou en la plantant en terre neutre/calcaire au lieu d'une terre acide.
The pro's trick
Après la floraison, passe une taille douce pour la densifier et éliminer le bois mort : elle repousse bien et fleurira plus abondamment l'année suivante. Pas besoin de tailler agressivement, juste lui redonner forme.
Seasonal watch
En été, lors des périodes sèches et chaudes, surveille particulièrement l'humidité du sol : les feuilles commencent à boucler dès que l'eau manque. En automne/hiver, assure un bon drainage pour éviter l'asphyxie racinaire par l'humidité stagnante.
Care
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during the first two years and in dry periods. Let the surface dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, which promotes root rot.
Light Exposure
Prefer partial shade or light shade, especially in regions with hot summers. Too much direct sun can dry out the foliage. This plant tolerates shaded areas and woodland settings well.
Soil Preparation
Enrich the soil with peat or acidic potting mix before planting. The soil must be well-draining and slightly moist. Regular additions of organic matter promote growth and fruiting.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Remove dead or damaged branches. This light pruning stimulates better branching and abundant fruiting.
Fertilizing
Apply a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in spring. Moderate feeding is sufficient; excess nitrogen can reduce fruiting. A mulch of acidic organic matter can effectively replace some fertilizer applications.
Pests and Diseases
Generally unaffected if light exposure and soil moisture are correct. Watch for powdery mildew in stagnant humid conditions. Avoid poorly drained soils that promote root rot.
Did you know?
The soapberry was traditionally consumed by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Coast, who valued the blue-black berries for their sweet, sugary flavor. Its French common name evokes the consumption of pigeons (wood pigeons) that love its fruit, a precious food resource shared between humans and wildlife.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Strawberry treeArbutus unedo
- Tree HeathErica arborea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.