About

Fragaria chiloensis is a low-growing, spreading strawberry species characterized by its glossy dark green foliage attached to pinkish-red petioles, creating an effective ground cover. It produces large white blossoms that yield red berries featuring a lighter center.

About the genus

Fragaria consists of perennial plants that produce runners and feature leaves made up of three leaflets. They bear rounded flowers, which can be white or pink, and are followed by red fruits that are edible.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Fruit Edible, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
1-2 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native to
Americas, Hawaii

Care notes

Cultivation
Suitable for use as an ornamental ground cover plant, with the bonus of fruits. Requires free-draining soil. If grown predominantly for fruits - see strawberry cultivation
Pruning
Remove excess runners. Cut back old leaves
Propagation
Remove and transplant runners
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails, glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to strawberry viruses and root rot. Fruit prone to grey moulds