Gaultheria mucronata - Pernettya

Winter is upon us and if you're looking for a plant that gives good winter color with its berries, try Gaultheria mucronata also known as Pernettya mucronata.

Its common name is Prickly Heath, and it's an evergreen shrub that does well in climate zones 7-9. It grows to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and as wide, with deep green, glossy leaves with sharp tips.

It bears clusters of small white flowers and purple fruit. It is quite showy in the winter. Some good cultivars to try are 'Bell's Seedling' or 'Mother of Pearl' or 'Mulberry Wine'

So if the winter blues are setting in - try some purple fruiting plants to liven your yard up!

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