Salal ?

[Darold Petty]

Gaultheria shallon

This plant, a member of the coastal redwood forest, has very attractive foliage, often used as greenery in flower arrangements and seafood displays.   Has anyone had success with this plant as a garden ornamental in coastal California ?

I have struggled with natives, and some appear to have more specific requirements than would be obvious.  For example, Oxalis oregana does not want to grow in the mineral soil, and seems to prefer the redwood needle medium.  I have also failed twice with Darmera peltata. 

Salal is offered by mail order nurseries in Oregon but I would appreciate any input before I purchase.   Thanks !

[Silas_Sancona]

1 hour ago, Darold Petty said:

Gaultheria shallon

This plant, a member of the coastal redwood forest, has very attractive foliage, often used as greenery in flower arrangements and seafood displays.   Has anyone had success with this plant as a garden ornamental in coastal California ?

I have struggled with natives, and some appear to have more specific requirements than would be obvious.  For example, Oxalis oregana does not want to grow in the mineral soil, and seems to prefer the redwood needle medium.  I have also failed twice with Darmera peltata. 

Salal is offered by mail order nurseries in Oregon but I would appreciate any input before I purchase.   Thanks !

Darold,

While i haven't had first hand experience growing it, don't think Salal would be too much of a challenge. Inaturalist lists several locations around San Francisco where it grows naturally, inc. around Twin Peaks, and somewhere in Golden Gate Park.  Species itself is listed ( by Inat. and Calscape ) as growing all the way down the coast to roughly San Luis Obispo.  As far as sourcing plants,  ..at least according to Calscape, there should be several nurseries in/around the Bay Area which carry it. See it listed in Suncrest Nursery's catalog also.  Didn't realize the berries were edible and made into Jams/ jellies in the past.

Curious if you have attempted any of the native/ non-native Ginger ( Asarum ) species. I'd imagine there would be some that would work in your garden.. Another non native worth looking into both for foliage and flowers is Aristolochia fimbriata. Stays small but is supposedly one of the easier Dutchman's Pipes. Tried it here but fried both times. Nice ground cover- esque plant though..

[Darold Petty]

Thank you, this info is very helpful.  I have not tried Asarum or Aristolochia but will investigate them.   

[JasonD]

Darold, our native salal tends to get thrips. Not sure whether sandy soil suits it but I think it might.