Round-leaved wintergreen is more common than lesser wintergreen. It grows in damp atmospheres on soils with sufficient humus. Even though the ground may be dry, humid air is sufficient. Round-leaved winter can only germinate if a certain fungus is available. 
In the Netherlands, round-leaved wintergreen is still common in the dunes. Elsewhere it is either rare or has disappeared. This species is specifically threatened by drainage and air pollution.
Round-leaved wintergreen is commonly found under creeping willow. It often grows together with Adder's tongue and twayblade. In damp dune slacks, you find it among marsh helleborine, bog-rush and grass of Parnassus, however these plants don't like too much humus and are in the process of disappearing here.