Overview
Fragaria virginiana is a trailing herbaceous perennial in the genus Fragaria, part of the Rosaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Fragaria virginiana grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Fragaria virginiana, known as Virginia strawberry, wild strawberry, common strawberry, or mountain strawberry, is a perennial North American strawberry that grows across much of the United States and southern Canada. It is one of the two species of wild strawberry that were hybridized to create the modern domesticated garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa). In the wild it grows across North America and Vermont-US. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fragaria virginiana
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 virginiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Fragaria virginiana
- Propagation
- Remove and transplant runners. Propagate by seed sow at 13-18°C in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to strawberry viruses and root rot. Fruit may be susceptible to grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Fragaria virginiana?
Fragaria virginiana prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Fragaria virginiana need?
Fragaria virginiana 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.
Is Fragaria virginiana hardy in the UK?
Fragaria virginiana 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 virginiana?
Remove and transplant runners. Propagate by seed sow at 13-18°C in spring.
More in the Fragaria genus
- Fragariastrawberry
- Fragaria daltonianaDalton’s strawberry
- Fragaria vesca 'Alpine Yellow' (F)
- Fragaria vesca 'Capron Royale' (F)
- Fragaria vesca 'Multiplex' (d)alpine strawberry 'Multiplex'
- Fragaria vesca 'White Soul' (F)
- Fragaria vesca 'White Surprise' (F)
- Fragaria vesca 'Yellow Wonder' (F)