How to Grow and Care for Wintergreens

Pink Wintergreen (Pyrola asarifolia) is an evergreen perennial that will grow to 30 cm tall. It blooms in summer with small cup-shaped flowers that point downward like tiny jingle-bells. Petals are white pale pink or red. It can grow in full shade to sunny locations. Prefers moist sandy or loamy soil. Suitable as a ground cover.

American wintergreen (Pyrola americana) is a perennial plant commonly found growing in coniferous stands in the central-eastern United States. It prefers partial to full shade and can thrive in extremely sandy soils. The american wintergreen stays very low to the ground and usually is seen growing in masses. Some varieties of this plant are rare, so it should not be harvested.

Large wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia) is a wildflower that produces fragrant white blooms that aren't commonly grown ornamentally but will add character and aroma to wildflower gardens. The plant has a spreading growth and so can also be used for groundcover. This plant attracts pollinating insects such as flies and bees.

One of several plants known as "wintergreen" for their ability to stay green in near arctic conditions, pyrola Herb distinguishes itself by being not only very cold-hardy, but beautiful and aromatic. This plant grows as a parasite, feeding off of several species of terrestrial fungus. Their flowers, though sweet-smelling, are actually pollinated by flies.

The waxflower shinleaf is a green and white flowering plant that is part of the heath family. It gets its nickname "waxflower shinleaf" from the shiny, waxy texture of its leaves. The leaves have been used in Native American folk medicines, but no modern clinical studies have confirmed any medicinal properties.