Sweet homegrown berries from a low, spreading plant that's as happy trailing from a hanging basket as carpeting a bed. Runners give you free new plants each year.
At a glance
- Plant type: Spreading groundcover
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Strawberry
Fragaria × ananassa is a fast-growing spreading groundcover in the Rosaceae family. White flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Strawberry
Strawberry suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Strawberry provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Strawberry does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed as new growth begins, following the rate on a balanced garden fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Strawberry after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, maintenance is moderate maintenance.
Using Strawberry in the garden
Strawberry earns its place for edible harvests, pots and courtyard containers and hanging baskets. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Strawberry sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
