Fragaria chiloensis, the strawberry with high ornamental value.
One of the ground-cover plants that border open spaces is the ornamental strawberry Fragaria chiloensis 'Chaval'. Its dense bushy growth even distinguishes it as a lawn substitute. Especially as the perennial, herbaceous plant retains its bright green and glossy foliage all year round. A consistently closed plant cover makes the garden more attractive and keeps the weeds in check. Seeds of unwelcome weeds prefer to emerge where they do not meet any competition. The home regions of the Chile strawberry are along the American Pacific coast and partly in inland South America
Plant description
The genus Fragaria comprises about 20 species as well as numerous cultivars, some of which are used for food production. In contrast to the carpet strawberry chiloensis. It presents itself as a pretty ornamental strawberry. The robust Fragaria strawberry grows to a height of about 10 cm and produces leathery, three-lobed leaves with a serrated edge. From May to June it adorns itself with cup-shaped, white flowers, each with a yellow centre. Five petals indicate that it belongs to the rose family. Occasionally red fruits ripen, but they are not suitable for sale.
Where does the Chile Strawberry feel at home?
The easy-care ornamental strawberry prefers sunny to semi-shady locations and is content with the fragile light under a tree if necessary. Under shrubs, where many other plants capitulate, it adds to the garden's greenery. The Fragaria chiloensis strawberry is not very demanding when it comes to soil. You should only make sure that the substrate is permeable and contains a certain amount of humus. Otherwise, normal garden soil will meet the requirements. The water requirement is in the moderate range. If sprouts of the Fragaria are undesirable, they can easily be cut off.
What goes with the carpet strawberry?
If the entire garden is composed of ground covers, the Fragaria strawberry will gladly occupy an area set aside for it. Together with low flameflowers and pennywort, a colourful ambience is created at flowering time. Established rock garden plants such as sage, lavender and thyme are sun worshippers. In most gardens, however, there are also less light-filled areas where the ornamental strawberry thrives wonderfully. In general, the Chilean strawberry can fill any kind of gap. In addition, it is possible to plant it under roses. As a neighbour of the queen of flowers, it forms a dignified frame. Both shrub and climbing roses often have little foliage at the bottom. These areas look more lively with appropriate accompaniment. To ensure that the roses do not suffer any growth pressure, you should keep an appropriate distance and make sure that the leaves do not climb the rose branches.
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