Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

Description

Fragaria vesca – wild strawberry

Botanical name: Fragaria vesca
Common names: Wild strawberry, alpine strawberry
Family: Rosaceae (rose family)
Plant type: Semi-evergreen perennial
Habit: Low, clump-forming, spreading by runners
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 15–25cm tall × spreading
Foliage: Bright green, divided, three-part leaves; semi-evergreen
Flowers: Small white flowers with yellow centres from spring into summer, followed by small red strawberries (April–July)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–9
Exposure: Sheltered or open; tolerant
Native range: Native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Fragaria vesca, wild strawberry, is a charming, easy native forming low carpets of bright green leaves, dainty white flowers and tiny red strawberries. Superb as groundcover in sun or light shade, and loved by wildlife.

GardenAdvice notes

A charming, tough little native perennial, the wild or alpine strawberry forms low carpets of fresh green leaves, dotted with dainty white flowers from spring and followed by tiny, intensely flavoured red strawberries. It spreads by runners to make excellent, pretty groundcover in sun or light shade, is happy in woodland edges and among other plants, and is a favourite with birds and small wildlife.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun to partial shade. It is easy and adaptable, spreading by runners to form groundcover, and is happy in borders, woodland edges, containers and among other plants. Space about 25–30cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out for the best growth and fruiting. It spreads by runners, which can be pegged down to make new plants or removed to keep it in bounds. Tidy tatty foliage in spring. Water while establishing.

Propagation

• Runners: Peg down the plantlets on the runners to root, then detach — very easy.
• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring.
• Seed: Can be raised from seed and often self-seeds.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Birds and small mammals will happily take the fruit, and slugs may graze foliage, but it is easy and resilient.

Uses in the garden

Superb as pretty, edible-fruited groundcover in borders, woodland edges and containers, for underplanting, and in wildlife and cottage gardens, where its flowers, fruit and spreading habit all earn their place.

Wildlife value

Excellent for wildlife: the spring flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, and the small strawberries are a valuable food source for birds and small mammals.

Toxicity & safety

This herb is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Wild strawberry is a delightful, easy groundcover that runs gently to knit through a border or woodland edge, giving pretty flowers, tiny sweet fruits and cover for wildlife. Peg down the runners to make free new plants, and grow it in a spot that stays reasonably moist for the best leaves and fruit.

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