About
Fragaria vesca is a perennial plant that spreads through stolons, creating rosettes of leaves that are divided into three lobes. The leaves are a vibrant green and feature serrated edges. In late spring, this species produces clusters of white flowers, which later develop into red berries approximately 1 cm in length.
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
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Fruit Edible
HabitTrailing
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Can be grown in a wide range of soils, but thrives in alkaline soils. Tolerant of partial shade; for best fruiting grow full sun. Good for the edge of informal borders or as a ground cover; can spread. Suitable for container cultivation
PruningRemove excess runners
PropagationRemove and transplant runners. Propagate by seed sow at 13-18°C in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to strawberry viruses and root rot. Fruit may be susceptible to grey moulds