Strawberry
Fragaria iinumae
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Fragaria iinumae is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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): 0.3
Where it is found
Moist sunny situations in alpine and sub-alpine regions of N. and C. Japan.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw. Young plants - cooked. Added to soups or used as a potherb.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species but, judging by its native range, it should be perfectly hardy in Britain. Other members of this genus prefer a fertile, well-drained, moisture retentive soil in a sunny position and tolerate semi-shade though fruit production will be reduced in such a situation. Likes a mulch of pine or spruce leaves.
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;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist