5 Seeds Gaultheria shallon Salal Evergreen Shrub Pacific Northwest

Gaultheria shallon, commonly known as Salal, is a charming evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Northwest. This versatile plant features rounded, leathery, deep green leaves that add year-round texture to shaded woodland gardens, and its delicate, bell-shaped pinkish-white flowers appear in late spring, followed by edible dark purple berries that attract local wildlife. As an ornamental, it forms a dense, low-growing groundcover or subtle accent plant, thriving in moist, acidic soils and partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic or native plant landscapes.
Its spreading habit and tolerant nature also allow it to work well as a stabilizing groundcover on slopes or under trees where other plants struggle. In the garden, Salal can be pruned lightly to maintain shape, and its berries can be harvested for culinary use in jams or jellies once mature. This hardy shrub is a wonderful addition for those looking to create a wildlife-friendly habitat or add lush evergreen structure to cooler, shaded spots. Growing information:
Species: Gaultheria shallon
Variety: Salal
Type: Evergreen Shrub
Plant_Habit: Spreading, low-growing shrub
Sun: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-draining, acidic soil
Days_to_Harvest: Not applicable
Zones: 5-9
Germination: Cold stratification required; sow seeds in fall or mix with moist sand and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks before spring sowing
Sowing: Surface sow on prepared seedbed; press lightly into soil, do not cover deeply
Spacing: 24-36 inches apart
Notes: Slow to establish; keep soil consistently moist until seedlings are well-rooted