Strawberry Geranium Saxifraga 'Tricolor' (stolonifera) (5)
ABOUT
The Saxifraga 'Tricolor', also known as Strawberry Begonia or Strawberry Geranium, is a herbaceous perennial with a striking appearance. The plant is noted for its decorative leaves and charming blooms. The leaves are rounded with a heart-shaped base and scalloped edges. Each leaf showcases a beautiful pattern of colors; the main body of the leaf is a rich green, which is offset by a creamy-white variegation and hints of pink overlaying it, creating a tricolor effect that is quite eye-catching. During the flowering season, Strawberry Begonia produces delicate, small flowers that rise above the foliage on slender, wiry stems. These flowers are typically white with subtle hints of pink or red, and they grow in airy clusters, adding a whimsical touch to the plant's overall appearance. The contrast between the decorative leaves and the ethereal flowers makes Saxifraga 'Tricolor' a favorite for adding texture and color to garden beds or as a part of an indoor plant collection. Aside from its leaves and flowers, this plant is also known for producing runners, similar to those of a strawberry plant, hence its common name. The runners can sprout baby plants at their ends, which can take root and establish themselves as new individual plants if they come into contact with soil. This characteristic makes the Strawberry Begonia an effective ground cover and a prolific spreader, capable of producing a lush carpet of tricolor foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Strawberry Geranium, Strawberry Begonia, Tricolor Saxifrage, Variegated Saxifrage, Sarmentous Saxifrage.
Common names
Saxifraga stolonifera 'Tricolor'
ToxicityTo humans
The Stratford Gem, as Saxifraga 'Tricolor' (stolonifera) is commonly known, is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it is not typically listed as a concern for human poisoning. However, as with any plant, sensitivity can vary among individuals, and it is always wise to avoid ingesting plants not specifically grown for food.
To pets
The Stratford Gem is also not considered toxic to pets. There are no significant reports of poisoning or adverse health effects in pets such as dogs and cats from ingesting this plant. While it is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants, the Saxifraga 'Tricolor' (stolonifera) does not pose a known risk of toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Saxifraga 'Tricolor', also known as Strawberry Begonia, adds aesthetic value to gardens and homes with its colorful foliage that includes shades of green, white, and pink.
- Low Maintenance: Strawberry Begonia is suitable for gardeners who prefer plants that do not require extensive care, as it is quite hardy and relatively easy to tend to.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety thrives in shade or partial shade, making it an excellent choice for areas in the garden that receive less sunlight.
- Ground Cover: The spreading nature of Strawberry Begonia makes it an effective ground cover, which can help reduce weeds and soil erosion in the garden.
- Indoor Suitability: It can also be grown as a houseplant, adding a touch of nature to interior spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Strawberry Begonia can be used in terrariums due to its small size and attractive foliage, providing a lush, green backdrop for other miniature plants and decorations.
- As a teaching tool in botany and horticulture classes to illustrate vegetative reproduction through stolons, which are prominent in this species.
- In arts and crafts, the leaves of Strawberry Begonia can be used to create botanical prints or impressions in clay for decorative purposes.
- Due to its trailing nature, it can be used in living walls or vertical gardens, adding variation and texture to the design.
- As a natural food dye, the leaves may provide a green pigment for culinary decoration, although its use as a food additive is not common.
- When pressed and dried, the leaves can be incorporated into handmade paper, providing a unique texture and pattern.
- In frost-free climates, it can be used as ground cover in outdoor fairy gardens to create a dense carpet with a magical ambiance.
- Strawberry Begonia can serve as a living mulch in garden beds, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- The plant can be grown as a companion plant in pots with taller species, helping to fill out the container and provide a contrasting growth habit.
- For pet owners, it is a non-toxic alternative to more dangerous houseplants, offering peace of mind without sacrificing aesthetics.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiStrawberry Begonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityStrawberry Begonia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Saxifraga 'Tricolor', also known as Strawberry Geranium, often grows in rocky, challenging environments. It symbolizes an ability to thrive in tough conditions.
- Tenacity: Strawberry Geranium plants are known for their strong and spreading root system, embodying determination and the will to survive against odds.
- Protection: Traditionally, some believed that the Saxifraga species could ward off evil spirits, representing a symbol of protection and safety.
- Enduring Love: With its long-lasting blooms, the Strawberry Geranium can symbolize enduring affection and constancy in relationships.
- Adaptability: Due to its ease of care and adaptability to different environments, Strawberry Geranium symbolizes flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
WaterStrawberry Begonia should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually about once a week, but frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions. Water gently around the base of the plant until the water starts to drain out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, a rough estimate would be about 8-16 ounces of water per week, but this will fluctuate based on temperature, humidity, and light conditions. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant's growth slows down.
LightStrawberry Begonia thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, like a position near a window that doesn’t receive direct sun, protecting it from the harsh afternoon rays. The ideal spot would be in eastern or northern exposure providing consistent light, or under the dappled shade of taller plants if grown outdoors. Avoid prolonged exposure to full sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves of the plant.
TemperatureStrawberry Begonia favors cool to average room temperatures, ideally between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to temperatures below this as it may damage the plant. The optimal temperature range encourages healthy growth and vibrant leaf variegation.
PruningStrawberry Begonia should be pruned to maintain its shape, remove any brown or wilted leaves, and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer, just before the plant's growth period. Snip off the leggy stolons as needed to keep the plant compact, and remove spent flower stalks to direct the plant's energy to foliage growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilStrawberry Begonia prefers well-draining soil with a mix of peat, perlite, and potting compost in equal parts, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention. The ideal soil pH for Strawberry Begonia is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingStrawberry Begonia should generally be repotted every two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Care should be taken to not damage the delicate stems and roots during repotting.
Humidity & MistingStrawberry Begonia thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 60% to 70%, to encourage lush growth and maintain the health of its foliage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, keep moist.
Outdoor
Part shade, sheltered location, moist well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Tricolor', commonly known as Strawberry Geranium or Mother of Thousands, begins its life as a seed. When environmental conditions are favorable, the seed germinates and a small seedling emerges, establishing a root system and sprouting its first leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a basal rosette of variegated leaves and begins to produce stolons, or runners, which spread out from the mother plant. Along these stolons, small plantlets form at the nodes, and when these come into contact with soil, they can root and grow into new, independent plants. During its flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, Strawberry Geranium produces panicles of small, star-shaped flowers that are usually white with hints of pink or red. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed, completing the life cycle and allowing for new generations of plants to grow.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Saxifraga 'Tricolor', commonly known as Strawberry Begonia or Strawberry Geranium, is ideally propagated in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method of propagation is by division, which involves gently separating the plant into smaller segments that have their own roots and at least one or two shoots. Carefully remove the plant from its container and shake off the excess soil to see the natural divisions. Using your hands or a clean, sharp knife, you can tease the segments apart, ensuring that each new plant has enough roots to sustain itself. After division, plant each section into its own pot filled with well-draining potting mix and keep them lightly watered until they establish in their new containers.
