Round-leaved wintergreen
Pyrola rotundifolia · Ericaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant round-leaved wintergreen: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Temperate and boreal regions of Europe, Asia and North America
- Soil type
- Acidic, humus-rich and well-drained
- Growth
- Slow
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during growth and flowering. Water moderately in summer and reduce watering in winter. Pyrola appreciates a cool environment and prefers regular watering to excess moisture.
Light exposure
Place your pyrola in partial shade or under light forest cover. It tolerates shaded areas and appreciates filtered light, particularly in woodland settings. Avoid intense full sun which could dry out the foliage.
Soil and substrate
This plant requires very acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 5.5), rich in organic matter and forest humus. Improve your potting mix with peat or well-decomposed leaf compost to recreate its natural habitat.
Fertilizing
Pyrola is not a heavy feeder and only needs light annual feeding. Use a low-dose fertilizer or incorporate leaf compost in autumn. Avoid highly concentrated fertilizers which could damage the fine roots.
Pruning and maintenance
Pyrola requires minimal pruning. Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring. Leave spent flowers to encourage seed formation, which contributes to natural propagation.
Diseases and pests
Pyrola is generally resistant to pests. Watch for excess moisture which can promote root rot or fungal diseases. Ensure optimal drainage and regularly aerate the substrate.
Did you know?
The round-leaved pyrola is a mycotrophic species, dependent on a symbiotic relationship with a soil fungus to absorb nutrients. This plant is very slow to adapt to cultivation as it is difficult to acclimatize without its natural fungal partners, making it an exciting challenge for botanists and collectors.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CowberryVaccinium vitis-idaea
- Cross-leaved heathErica tetralix
- Bog rosemaryAndromeda polifolia
- BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Strawberry treeArbutus unedo
- Tree HeathErica arborea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.