Strawberry Fragaria × ananassa 'Fenella' (PBR) (F)
ABOUT
The Fragaria × ananassa 'Fenella' (PBR) (F), commonly known as the strawberry plant, possesses a charming and lush appearance. Its foliage is composed of green leaves with a slightly toothed edge, imparting a textured look to the plant. During its flowering period, it boasts an array of white flowers that have a golden center, creating a delightful contrast against the verdant leaves. Following the flowering season, the plant yields the classic strawberries, which are known for their bright red color and juicy texture when ripe. These berries tend to be plump and glossy, hanging delicately from the plant and attracting the attention of any passersby with their appealing look. Overall, the strawberry plant presents itself with a blend of green foliage, white flowers, and red fruit that contribute to its overall attractive presentation.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Strawberry, Pineberry.
Common names
Fragaria × ananassa 'Fenella' (PBR) (F).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as strawberry, specifically Fragaria × ananassa 'Fenella', is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, strawberries are widely consumed and are known for their nutritional value. However, in rare cases, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to strawberries which can manifest as hives, itching, or swelling in the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. If such symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.
To pets
The strawberry plant, including the Fragaria × ananassa 'Fenella' variety, is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. These fruits are often used as a healthy treat for pets, given in moderation. However, as with humans, some pets may have allergies or sensitivities to strawberries, which could lead to symptoms like gastrointestinal upset or dermatological reactions. If any adverse reaction is observed, it is advisable to discontinue feeding strawberries to the pet and consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Fruit: Produces large, sweet strawberries that are appealing for their taste and appearance.
- Extended Harvest: Offers a long fruiting season, providing strawberries over an extended period.
- Patio Gardening: Suitable for containers and hanging baskets, making it ideal for those with limited garden space or who prefer patio gardening.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its attractive flowers and fruit, enhancing the overall garden design.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination and biodiversity in the garden.
- Edible Landscaping: Can be incorporated into edible landscapes, providing both aesthetic value and homegrown produce.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated through runners, allowing gardeners to expand their strawberry patch or share with others.
- Low Maintenance: Generally easy to care for, requiring basic gardening practices such as watering and occasional feeding.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The leaves and fruits of the strawberry can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics, with hues varying from pink to green depending on the mordant used.
- Insect repellent: Strawberry plants can be crushed to release a fragrance that is said to repel certain insects, potentially contributing to natural pest management.
- Fish bait: The fruit's sweet aroma can attract fish, making them useful as bait for freshwater fishing.
- Bookmarks: Dried strawberry leaves can be used as decorative and fragrant bookmarks.
- Strawberry vinegar: The fruits can be infused into vinegar, creating a fruity condiment that can enhance salads and sauces.
- Leather conditioner: The tannins found in the leaves may be used as a natural conditioner for leather goods.
- Craft materials: Dried strawberries and leaves can be incorporated into decorative wreaths, centerpieces, or other craft projects.
- Plant dye for playdough: The fruit can be used to naturally color homemade playdough for children's crafts.
- Strawberry-flavored water: Floating a few strawberries in a pitcher of water adds a subtle flavor and can be a refreshing alternative to plain water.
- Companion planting: Planting strawberries in a garden can attract beneficial pollinators and potentially help improve the health and yield of other plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe strawberry plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe strawberry plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: Strawberries, including the Fragaria × ananassa 'Fenella', often symbolize innocence due to their bright, sweet, and pure appearance.
- Purity: The pure white flowers of the strawberry plant can be seen to represent cleanliness and virtue.
- Love and Passion: Strawberries are frequently associated with Venus, the Roman goddess of love, due to their heart shape and red color, suggesting passion and romantic feelings.
- Fertility: Strawberries are a symbol of fertility because of their many seeds on the outside, indicating abundance and fruitfulness.
- Perfection: The symmetry and shape of strawberries can represent the idea of perfection and idealism.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, strawberries are considered to bring good fortune and are used in rituals to attract prosperity.
WaterStrawberry 'Fenella' should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water to thoroughly saturate the soil. During hot or windy weather, or if the plant is in a container, it may require more frequent watering, possibly every two to three days, to maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering; if it feels dry, it's time to water. When watering, avoid getting water on the leaves and fruits to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, instead aim the water at the base of the plant.
LightStrawberry 'Fenella' thrives best in full sun, so it's important to plant it in a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching. The best location would be in an open area, away from larger plants or structures that might create shade, to ensure the plant receives consistent sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureStrawberry 'Fenella' performs best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. It is a hardy plant that can survive temperature drops down to around 20°F, but temperatures below this can be damaging. The plant begins to grow dormant when temperatures exceed 85°F, so it is important to provide some shade or cooling during extreme heat to maintain optimal growth.
PruningPrune Strawberry 'Fenella' to remove any dead or diseased leaves and to thin out crowded beds, which will improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. After fruiting, typically in late summer or fall, remove old, tired leaves to encourage new growth. Pruning should be performed annually, and the best time to do it is just after the plant has finished fruiting to prepare it for the next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for growing strawberry 'Fenella', commonly known as the garden strawberry, is light, fertile, and well-draining with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8. A mixture containing one-third each of peat, sand, and loam works well. Enriching the soil with compost or well-rotted manure will provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingGarden strawberries like 'Fenella' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to replenish soil nutrients and to prevent overcrowding. Repotting is best done in the early spring before the growing season starts.
Humidity & MistingGarden strawberries 'Fenella' prefer moderate humidity levels. The best humidity range for this plant is between 65%-75%, which will support healthy growth without encouraging fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow garden strawberries in bright, indirect light and ensure ample airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny beds with rich, well-draining soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Fenella strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa 'Fenella', begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in warm, moist soil conditions. After germination, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a small rosette of leaves and a developing root system. As they mature, the plants enter a vegetative growth phase, during which they produce larger leaves, establish a stronger root system, and develop runners (stolons) that can give rise to new plants. Once the plant reaches maturity, it enters the flowering stage, characterized by the production of white flowers that, after pollination, develop into red, juicy strawberries. Following fruiting, if runners have been produced, they may take root and grow into new strawberry plants, continuing the life cycle. In the absence of runners, or in managed agricultural settings, the plant's life cycle can be extended or restarted through human intervention, such as removing old plants and planting new seeds or runners.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Fragaria × ananassa 'Fenella', commonly known as the strawberry 'Fenella', is typically propagated through runners, which are long, horizontal stems that grow outward from the main plant. The propagation process using runners usually takes place in the late summer after the plants have finished fruiting. To propagate strawberry 'Fenella' using runners, one needs to wait until the runners have developed their own roots before severing the connection from the parent plant. These young plants can then be transplanted to a new location. This method is preferred for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing genetically identical clones of the parent plant, ensuring the preservation of its characteristics.
