Virginia Strawberry

Growing

This hardy perennial is a natural groundcover that thrives best in full sun and light, loose soil. Because it is a wild species, it is particularly well-suited for higher elevations where a good frost occurs. You can propagate this plant by digging up runners or small plantlets during the fall. When potting these runners for overwintering, ensure you bury the stems and roots completely in soil and keep the containers in a sheltered, protected spot.

Once the soil has warmed in late winter or early spring, you can transplant your established seedlings directly into the garden. As they grow, they will quickly spread to form a dense, lush carpet across your planting area. If you want to encourage more vigorous growth, you can apply a light application of fertilizer during the growing season.

The fruit is a small, red, fleshy berry covered in tiny achenes. While the berries are much smaller than those of modern garden varieties, they are highly flavorful. You will know they are ready to pick when they have turned a deep, uniform red. Since this plant is a perennial, it will return each year, maintaining its presence in your landscape through its spreading habit.