Salal Plant Care

Salal (Gaultheria shallon) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Gaultheria genus. Salal is native to western North America. Salal is also known as Lemonleaf, Shallon.

Salal displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Salal produces small white or pink bell-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Salal every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Salal thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Salal in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Gaultheria shallon tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Salal prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Salal to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Salal every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Salal is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Salal can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Salal while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Salal is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Salal can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps, stem cuttings.

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Salal is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Salal grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Salal is native to western North America. In cooler regions, grow Salal as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.