Fragaria orientalis
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Fragaria orientalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Forests and open slopes, especially on stony surfaces. Meadows on mountain slope, in the shade of forest trees at elevations of 600 - 4000 metres.
E. Asia - Eastern Siberia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw. Sweet and succulent. The fruit is about 5mm wide.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a fertile, well-drained, moisture retentive soil in a sunny position. Tolerates semi-shade though fruit production will be reduced. Plants like a mulch of pine or spruce leaves. A vigorous plant, spreading quickly by means of runners. Plants flower freely with us, but have not as yet fruited at our Cornwall trial ground, possibly because they are all one clone.
Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. The seed can take 4 weeks or more to germinate. The seedlings are very small and slow-growing at first, but then grow rapidly. Prick them out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out during the summer. Division of runners, preferably done in July/August in order to allow the plants to become established for the following years crop. They can also be moved in the following spring if required, though should not then be allowed to fruit in their first year. The runners can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist