Pink Panda Strawberry Fragaria × ananassa Pink Panda = 'Frel' (F)
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ABOUT
Fragaria × ananassa Pink Panda, commonly known as the Pink Panda strawberry, is a notable plant due to its ornamental and fruit-bearing qualities. The plant showcases lush green leaves that have a slightly textured surface, appearing somewhat coarse to the touch. These leaves are arranged in a rosette fashion, spreading outwards to create an attractive groundcover. The Pink Panda strawberry is distinguished by its striking pink flowers. Unlike the traditional white blossoms of common strawberry varieties, these blooms provide a unique aesthetic appeal. The flowers are composed of multiple petals that radiate around a central, yellow core, providing a cheerful contrast against the green foliage. Following the flowering phase, the Pink Panda yields the quintessential strawberries. These fruits are generally smaller than commercial varieties but bear the classic conical shape and red skin that is glossy and tender. The berries are dotted with tiny seeds on the surface, giving them a slight texture. Inside, the flesh is juicy and sweet, offering a delightful taste experience to those who sample them. Overall, the Pink Panda strawberry's combination of ornamental flowers and edible fruits make it an appealing choice for gardeners looking to add both beauty and function to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Pink Panda Strawberry, Strawberry 'Pink Panda', Strawberry 'Frel'.
Common names
Fragaria × ananassa 'Pink Panda', Potentilla × ananassa 'Pink Panda'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as 'Pink Panda' strawberry is not considered toxic to humans. These plants are hybrid ornamental strawberries, and they do not typically pose any harm if ingested. Therefore, there are no known toxic effects or symptoms of poisoning in humans from consuming parts of the Pink Panda strawberry plant.
To pets
The Pink Panda strawberry is not known to be toxic to pets. It is a hybrid ornamental strawberry that is generally considered safe if pets happen to ingest parts of it. There are no reported toxic effects or symptoms of poisoning in pets from consuming the Pink Panda strawberry plant. However, as with any plant, individual animals may have different sensitivities or allergic reactions, so it is always prudent to monitor pets if they consume plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its pink flowers.
- Ground Cover: Spreads easily, creating a carpet that suppresses weeds.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for casual gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive with less water, once established, which is beneficial in drier climates.
- Edible Fruit: Produces strawberries that are enjoyed by humans and wildlife.
- Adaptability: Grows in a variety of soil types and conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest from spring through fall with its changing foliage and flowers.
- Outdoor Living Enhancement: Creates a pleasant outdoor atmosphere with its ornamental features.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The crushed leaves of the Pink Panda can be used in potpourris for a sweet, strawberry scent.
- Its bright and attractive flowers can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a soft pink hue.
- The petals of the Pink Panda can be crystallized with egg whites and sugar to create edible decorations for desserts.
- Dried Pink Panda plants can be used in craft projects, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or pressed flower pictures.
- Because of their low height, they can be planted between paving stones for an ornamental and fragrant walkway.
- The plant’s runners can be trained to grow in intricate patterns for garden art or living sculptures.
- Pink Panda can be used in educational settings, such as schools, to teach children about plant propagation and gardening.
- The flowers can be used in salads or as garnishes to add a pop of color and mild flavor to various dishes.
- As a ground cover plant, Pink Panda can be utilized for erosion control on slopes or banks.
- The fruit, though not as large as commercial strawberries, can be used to make miniature desserts or as a flavorful addition to drinks and cocktails.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe strawberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: As a variety of strawberry, Pink Panda often symbolizes purity and innocence due to its delicate and sweet nature, reminiscent of childhood simplicity.
- Love: The heart shape of the strawberry fruit has long associated it with love and passion, making the Pink Panda a representation of romantic feelings.
- Fertility: Historically, strawberries have been a symbol of fertility due to their many seeds, hence Pink Panda can also represent new beginnings and abundance.
- Perfection: The hybrid nature of Pink Panda, with its attractive flowers and fruit, often symbolizes the quest for perfection or the combination of good qualities.
WaterThe Pink Panda Strawberry should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week, depending on the weather conditions. In hotter and drier climates, increase watering frequency, while in cooler or rainy periods, reduce it. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, apply water directly to the base of the plant. During the fruiting season, consistent watering is key to plump and juicy strawberries.
LightPink Panda Strawberries thrive in full sunlight, so the best spot for these plants is where they can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sun per day. They can tolerate partial shade, but too little light can reduce fruit production and overall vigor. Ensure the spot chosen receives morning sun which is gentler and helps dry the dew on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
TemperaturePink Panda Strawberries prefer moderate temperatures and grow best when daytime temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive a range from 20 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but extreme temperatures may impair growth and fruit production. These strawberries are hardy and can tolerate cold winters, but make sure to provide protection if temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPink Panda Strawberries benefit from pruning to remove dead or diseased foliage, which promotes healthy growth and better air circulation. Prune the plants after harvesting, as this is the best time to shape them and prepare for the next season's growth. Remove any runners to focus the plant's energy on producing strong, healthy fruit. Pruning should be done annually for the best results.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Pink Panda strawberry benefits from a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mixture of two parts loamy garden soil, one part well-rotted compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
RepottingPink Panda strawberries should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to replenish the soil and give roots room to grow. It's best done in early spring before the growing season starts or after the plant finishes fruiting.
Humidity & MistingPink Panda strawberries prefer moderate humidity levels and good air circulation. Aim for a humidity level between 40-60% to maintain healthy growth and minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Pink Panda in bright, indirect light with cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, protect from intense heat, water regularly.
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Pink Panda Strawberry begins with seed germination, where the seed requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once the seeds sprout, the plant enters the vegetative stage, developing roots, leaves, and a rosette of foliage that gradually matures. During the flowering stage, Pink Panda Strawberry plants produce pink flowers that attract pollinators, leading to the formation of fruit. The fruiting stage sees the development of strawberries that start green, then turn to red as they ripen, signaling readiness for harvest. After fruiting, the plant can enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, where it conserves energy for the next growing season. Additionally, Pink Panda Strawberry can propagate vegetatively through runners, creating new plants that will go through the same life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
For the Pink Panda strawberry, also known as Fragaria × ananassa 'Frel', the most popular method of propagation is through runners, which are long, branching shoots that extend from the base of the parent plant. Typically, this process begins in late spring to early summer when the plant's energy is directed toward growth. Gardeners can encourage runner development by ensuring the plants have plenty of water and are well-fertilized. Once runners develop, small plantlets called "daughter plants" form at intervals along the runner. These daughter plants develop roots that penetrate the soil while still attached to the mother plant. For successful propagation, gardeners may lightly bury the nodes of the runners into the soil to assist with root development. After the daughter plants establish a strong root system, usually in a few weeks, the connecting runner can be cut to separate it from the parent plant, effectively creating a new independent plant.
