Fragaria vesca (Wild Strawberry)
Wild Strawberry, Alpine Strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa Fraise des Bois, Fraise Des Bois, Wood Strawberry
A diminutive cousin of the garden strawberries, Fragaria vesca (Wild Strawberry) is a stoloniferous, spreading perennial forming rosettes of tri-foliate, coarsely-toothed, bright green leaves. In late spring and throughout the summer, it bears a profusion of small, 5-petaled white flowers adorned with yellow centers. They are followed by a crop of tiny, bright red, fragrant and delicious strawberries over a long summer season. Flowers and fruit are usually simultaneously present on the plant. This species has good disease resistance. Compact, it is a lovely choice as an edging for flower or herb beds. A strawberry patch is so ravishing with its small mounds of fresh, green, pleated leaves which hide dangling, ruby-red fruits begging to be picked and enjoyed!
- Grows up to 3-9 in. tall (7-22 cm) and 9-12 in. wide (22-30 cm). This plant will spread by runners and may self-seed if its fruit is not harvested.
- A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. In hot climates plant in a location that receives protection from the afternoon sun. Tolerates full shade but best fruit production occurs in brighter exposures. Can be grown in a wide range of soils, but thrives in alkaline soils.
- Great for the edge of informal borders, as a ground cover or for container cultivation.
- Strawberries are susceptible to some issues including anthracnose, leaf spots, rots, wilts, powdery mildew and blights. Insect visitors include spider mites and aphids. Leaf scorch may occur in hot summer climates.
- Remove excess runners.
- Propagation: remove and transplant runners. Propagate by seed sow at 13-18°C in spring
- Native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere
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Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruit, Perennials |
Plant Family | Fragaria - Strawberries |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 3" – 9" (7cm – 22cm) |
Spread | 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
By Aniana, Cora Muller, MMCez, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruit, Perennials |
Plant Family | Fragaria - Strawberries |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 3" – 9" (7cm – 22cm) |
Spread | 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |