American Wintergreen
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Limited Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If not, just call us at (704) 443-8256.
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free shipping on all orders. Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!
How We Ship Your Plants
Ordering live plants online should feel exciting, not stressful! We only ship healthy, well-rooted trees and plants!
Beware- not all plant nurseries are the same! Others can cut corners to save money:
- We never ship bareroot plants
- We never cut roots to fit into a small box
- We always ship plants with healthy, developed roots so they establish faster at your home
- We focus on plant health first- not minimizing shipping costs
A strong root system is the foundation for long-term success, and we believe your plant should arrive ready to thrive- not struggling to recover from shortcuts.
How we Select Your Plants
Once you place your order, our nursery team selects your plant and inspects it to make sure it meets our quality standards. Every plant we ship is chosen for:
- Strong health and vibrant foliage
- A well-developed root system
- Correct sizing based on your order
We take pride in sending plants that are ready to succeed when they arrive at your home. We try our best to exceed your expectations!
Once your plants are selected, we give them a drink of water before their journey. Then, we wrap each plant's roots up in a plastic bag, so that they do not dry out during shipping.
Carefully Packed & Protected
Live plants can’t be packed like ordinary boxes, so we do it differently.
Your plant is carefully secured inside a strong shipping box to protect it while traveling. Packaging may include:
- Support materials for stability
- Protection around the pot and roots
- Reinforced boxing for added protection
For larger trees, we use oversize boxes designed to safely accommodate the size and structure of your plant during shipping.
Sometimes, you will receive multiple plants inside a box. This is helpful because it can evenly distribute the weight throughout the box, which helps keeps the plants safe and secure throughout delivery.
Fast & Reliable with FedEx
Most Nationwide Plants orders ship with FedEx. Over the years, we’ve found FedEx to be the best carrier for live plants, especially larger items, because:
- They deliver quickest across the country
- They are the most gentle with live plants
- Faster transit means less plant stress
Once your order ships, we will email you tracking information so you can follow your delivery from our nursery to your doorstep.
We ship Monday through Friday. Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom shipping date.
Multiple Nursery Locations
We ship from multiple locations across the country, including both the East Coast and West Coast. This allows us to:
- Deliver faster in more regions
- Reduce time in transit for your plants
- Ship large items more efficiently
How We Measure Your Trees
We measure tree height from the soil line, not including the pot.
That means when you order a 5-6 ft. tree, you’re getting a tree that is 5-6 ft. tall above the soil, not “including the container.” This gives you a good idea of what to expect when your trees arrive, and what they will look like when they are in the ground.
After Your Plants Arrive
It’s completely normal for a plant to look slightly different after shipping. Your plant has been traveling in a box, so you may notice:
- Minor leaf drop
- Soil that shifted slightly in the pot
- Temporary drooping from being in a darker environment
In most cases, your plant perks up quickly once it’s unboxed, watered (if needed), and placed in the proper environment.
Unboxing Your Plants
When your plants arrive, we recommend:
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Open carefully (avoid cutting into foliage)
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Remove all packing materials
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Check soil moisture (If the soil feels dry, give it a thorough watering)
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Let the plant recover (Give it a little fresh air after shipping)
If you ever have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help!
Our 30-Day Plant Promise
We stand behind every order we ship with our 30-Day Plant Promise.
If your plant dies within 30 days of delivery, we will replace it or refund it. We’ve found that if there are ever issues, they typically show up in the first 30 days- so this guarantee gives our customers real peace of mind.
If anything doesn’t look right, contact us and we’ll help you troubleshoot quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship bare-root plants?
No. We ship in soil with an established root system for the best success after delivery.
How fast will my order ship?
Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom ship date.
Will my plant survive shipping?
Yes. Plants are resilient when packed correctly and shipped quickly. Our process is designed to protect your plant throughout transit.
What if my plant arrives droopy?
This is usually temporary from being in a dark box. Unbox promptly, check moisture, and allow time to adjust. If you’re concerned, reach out—we’re here to help.
Want Bigger Plants?
|
The American Wintergreen thrives in Zones 3-9 
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the American Wintergreen. |
||
| Your Growing Zone | ||
| Recommended Zones | 3-9 | |
| Mature Height | 3-6 inches | |
| Mature Width | 12 inches | |
| Cannot Ship To | AZ, OR | |
| Sunlight | Partial Sun | |
| Botanical Name | Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens | |
|
The American Wintergreen thrives in Zones 3-9
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the American Wintergreen. |
|
| Your Growing Zone | |
| Recommended Zones | 3-9 |
| Mature Height | 3-6 inches |
| Mature Width | 12 inches |
| Cannot Ship To | AZ, OR |
| Sunlight | Partial Sun |
| Botanical Name | Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens |
Description
Description
American Wintergreen: Evergreen Groundcover With Bright Red Berries
Bring rich color and woodland charm to your garden with American Wintergreen. Also known as Gaultheria procumbens, this low-growing native groundcover stays green all year and produces bright red berries that stand out in fall and winter.
Growing only about 3–6 inches tall, American Wintergreen is a great choice for shady garden beds, woodland gardens, under trees and shrubs, or in outdoor containers. It slowly spreads to form a neat evergreen mat without taking over your space.
Why You'll Love American Wintergreen
Color Through Every Season: Glossy evergreen leaves stay attractive all year, while red berries add extra color in fall and winter.
Perfect for Small Spaces: Its low, spreading growth makes it easy to use under taller plants or along the front of shady garden beds.
Native Groundcover: American Wintergreen is native to eastern North America and fits beautifully into woodland-style landscapes.
Holiday-Ready Color: Bright red berries and leaves that may take on burgundy tones in cold weather give this plant a festive look for fall and winter displays.
Great for Containers: Grow it in pots, window boxes, porch planters, or mixed seasonal containers for an easy splash of evergreen color.
Easy to Maintain: Once established in the right location, this slow-growing groundcover needs very little pruning or shaping.
Bright Red Berries for Fall and Winter
One of the best features of American Wintergreen is its bright red berries. They add a strong pop of color when many other garden plants have finished blooming for the year.
As temperatures cool, the evergreen leaves may also develop deep red or burgundy tones, giving the plant even more winter interest.
A Low-Growing Evergreen Groundcover
American Wintergreen stays very short, usually reaching only 3–6 inches tall. It slowly spreads along the ground to create a dense carpet of glossy foliage.
Its small size makes it useful in places where larger shrubs would be too big. Use it beneath trees, around shrubs, along shady paths, or near the front of garden beds.
Where to Plant American Wintergreen
Woodland Gardens: Its low growth and evergreen leaves look right at home beneath trees and among other shade-loving plants.
Shady Borders: Use American Wintergreen near the front of garden beds for low-growing color and texture.
Under Trees and Shrubs: Its compact size makes it a useful choice for filling open spaces beneath larger plants.
Outdoor Containers: Add it to porch pots, window boxes, or mixed planters for year-round foliage and seasonal red berries.
Holiday Planters: Pair its red berries and evergreen leaves with other seasonal plants and decorations for a natural winter look.
American Wintergreen Light and Soil Needs
Light: American Wintergreen grows best in partial shade to shade, making it a great choice for areas that do not receive strong afternoon sun.
Soil: Plant it in moist, well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. It does not like soil that stays soggy for long periods.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while the plant becomes established. A layer of organic mulch can help protect the shallow roots and keep the soil from drying too quickly.
Perfect for Holiday Displays and Year-Round Gardens
American Wintergreen is especially popular during the holidays because its bright red berries and evergreen foliage naturally match the colors of the season. But this plant offers much more than holiday appeal.
After winter ends, its evergreen leaves remain in place, making it a useful year-round groundcover for shady parts of the landscape.
Small Plant, Big Seasonal Appeal
If you want a compact native plant with evergreen foliage and colorful winter berries, American Wintergreen is an easy choice. Its small size, slow-spreading growth, and four-season interest make it perfect for woodland gardens, shady borders, and decorative containers.
Plant American Wintergreen for year-round greenery, bright red berries, and a touch of woodland beauty in even the smallest spaces.