Overview
Fragaria vesca (F) is a trailing herbaceous perennial in the genus Fragaria, part of the Rosaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Fragaria vesca (F) grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, edible fruit and ground cover. It is native to Madeira Island.
About
Fragaria vesca is a trailing, semi‑evergreen herbaceous perennial in the Rosaceae that produces edible fruit. It grows 0.1–0.5 metres high and spreads 0.5–1 metre, reaching mature size in 1–2 years. Flowers appear from May to July and set the small, fresh fruits prized for eating.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fragaria vesca
About the genus
Fragaria is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, commonly known as strawberries for their edible fruits. There are more than 20 described species and many hybrids and cultivars. The most common strawberries grown commercially are cultivars of the garden strawberry, a hybrid known as Fragaria × ananassa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Fragaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fragaria
In the garden
Fragaria vesca is a low, trailing perennial in the rose family, native across much of the Northern Hemisphere, cultivated for its edible fruit. Plants keep a semi‑evergreen leaf through milder winters and carry white flowers from May to July that lead to the crop of strawberries. Position the plants in full sun where possible; they tolerate clay, loam or sand and a wide soil pH range from acid to alkaline. A moist but well‑drained soil suits them best and they prefer a sheltered spot and a north, east, south or west aspect. In UK hardiness terms Fragaria vesca is H6 (very hardy), so it survives typical winter conditions in most gardens and reaches its 0.1–0.5 m height within one to two years. Use alpine strawberry where you want low edible ground cover, in patio tubs and containers, or in cottage and wildlife gardens. The trailing habit and 0.5–1 m spread make it practical for filling gaps or softening paths while supplying fruit. Expect plants to establish their spread in the first couple of seasons so you can plan plantings around their quick groundcovering habit.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Fragaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Fragaria vesca (F) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Edible fruit, Ground cover
- Native to
- Madeira Island
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Fragaria vesca (F)
- Propagation
- Remove and transplant runners
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, slugs and snails, Glasshouse red spider mite, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Strawberry viruses, Root rot, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Fragaria vesca (F)?
Fragaria vesca (F) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Fragaria vesca (F) need?
Fragaria vesca (F) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Fragaria vesca (F) grow?
Fragaria vesca (F) reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Fragaria vesca (F) hardy in the UK?
Fragaria vesca (F) has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Fragaria vesca (F)?
Remove and transplant runners.
