What they do
Adds year-round greenery and spring flowers that can be visited by pollinators.
Plant profile
Salal
Species
Salal is a tough, evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and spring flowers that can support pollinators and add year-round structure to gardens and containers.
Plant Type
Shrubs > Salal
Aliases
Salal
Native Range
Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America.
Bloom window
Spring
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Salal (Gaultheria shallon) is an evergreen shrub that brings glossy leaves and spring flower clusters to gardens. It’s often used to create a full, green look in shadier areas, and its blooms can be visited by a range of insects.
If you’re planting salal, focus on the basics: gentler light, soil that holds moisture without staying soggy, and a steady watering routine while the plant settles in. In containers, it’s especially important not to let the pot dry out completely.
For pollinator-friendly gardening, salal works best as part of a mix: pair it with other plants that bloom in summer and fall so there’s something in flower across the growing season. Keep pesticide use off the table whenever possible—healthy soil, consistent watering, and simple hands-on fixes usually go a long way.
Best role for pollinators
Evergreen groundcover-like shrub layers, shady edges, and low-maintenance plantings that still offer flowers for pollinators.FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Salal |
| Bloom window | Spring |
| Typical height | Low to medium shrub; can spread and form a dense patch over time. |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Flies |
| Light & moisture | Best in part shade to shade with evenly moist, well-drained soil; can handle some sun if it doesn’t dry out. |
| Best roles for pollinators | Evergreen groundcover-like shrub layers, shady edges, and low-maintenance plantings that still offer flowers for pollinators. |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
Gentle light (often part shade), consistent moisture, and soil that drains well.
One best action
Choose a spot that won’t bake or dry out, then keep watering steady while it establishes.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Salal is a practical evergreen shrub that brings spring flowers and steady greenery, helping gardens look full while offering a simple food stop for pollinators during bloom.
Salal’s thick, glossy leaves are one reason it stays attractive through many seasons.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Evergreen shrubs can provide structure and cover in gardens even when other plants die back.
- Spring-blooming flowers can be a helpful stop for early-season insects looking for food.
- Dense growth can help reduce bare soil and make planting beds look finished.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Use these quick traits to recognize salal in a garden setting.
Leaves
Evergreen, thick and leathery, glossy dark green, usually oval; leaves are a standout feature year-round.
Flowers
Small, bell-shaped (urn-shaped) flowers in clusters, often pale pink to white, appearing in spring.
Fruits
Small berries may form after flowering; leave them for wildlife when possible.
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Woodland edges
- Forest understory
- Coastal and lowland thickets
Where it is often used
- Shady border filler
- Evergreen foundation planting (where space allows)
- Woodland-style garden layer
- Large containers in part shade
- Underplanting beneath taller shrubs (with enough light and moisture)
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Salal typically blooms in spring, with flowers held in small clusters.
Bloom Season Role: Early-season nectar and pollen from small spring flowers.
Seasonal benefits
- Adds seasonal interest before many summer flowers start
- Offers small blooms that can attract a variety of visiting insects
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Part shade to shade is often easiest; morning sun can work if afternoons aren’t too hot.
Soil type
Rich, organic soil that drains well; add leaf mold or compost to improve texture.
Moisture needs
Water regularly during establishment; after that, aim for consistent moisture rather than cycles of drought and soaking.
Planting method
Plant at the same depth as in the pot, loosen the root ball gently, and water in well.
Mulching tips
Mulch with shredded leaves or bark to help hold moisture and protect roots; keep mulch a little away from the stem base.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Pick a spot with part shade to shade and soil that won’t dry out quickly.
- Dig a hole about as deep as the pot and wider than the root ball.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill, press gently to remove big air pockets, and water thoroughly.
- Mulch to keep moisture steady, leaving a small gap around the stem.
Seasonal care
- Water during dry spells, especially in the first year or in containers.
- Top up mulch to keep roots cool and soil moisture more even.
- Prune lightly after flowering if you want to shape or reduce size; avoid heavy pruning all at once.
- Remove broken or crossing stems to improve airflow.
What not to do
- Planting in full, hot sun without extra watering
- Letting a container dry out completely
- Planting too deep or piling mulch against the stems
- Using pesticides to deal with minor leaf damage
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Spring bulbs (in nearby sunnier pockets)
- Early-blooming woodland perennials
Mid-Season Bloom
- Shade-tolerant perennials with summer flowers
- Ferns for texture contrast
Late-Season Bloom
- Late-blooming shade perennials
- Evergreen groundcovers for winter interest
If you’re gardening in Toronto, treat salal as a specialty shrub: choose a protected spot and focus on steady moisture and good soil rather than pushing it in harsh, exposed conditions.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few quick terms you might see when planning a pollinator-friendly planting:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.