Strawberry Fragaria × ananassa 'Red Glory' (PBR) (F)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Strawberry 'Red Glory', is a cultivar celebrated for its striking fruit and ornamental value. This variety of strawberry bears large, irresistibly sweet, and bright red berries that are often characterized by their glossy sheen and plump, heart-shaped silhouette. These berries dangle from slender green stalks and are nestled amidst lush green leaves. The leaves themselves are compound, with three toothed leaflets forming the typical shape associated with strawberry foliage. Their surface is slightly veiny, giving them a textured appearance. Flowering typically occurs before the berries develop, with the flowers being small, white, and adorned with a yellow center, contrasting nicely against the green of the leaves. As the flowers fade, the strawberry fruits begin to form, starting as small green bulbs that gradually swell and ripen to their final red hue. Throughout the growing season, the plant presents a charming display of greens, whites, and reds, making it both an appetizing and attractive addition to any garden space. The plant's overall presentation is compact and bushy, with its vegetation spreading out to create a mat-like ground cover that brims with color and life during fruiting season. The Strawberry 'Red Glory' is not only prized for its fruit but also for its ornamental appeal, providing a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Red Glory Strawberry, Garden Strawberry.
Common names
Fragaria × ananassa 'Red Glory' (PBR) (F).
ToxicityTo humans
Strawberry 'Red Glory' is not known to be toxic to humans when consumed in normal food quantities. As with any plant, some individuals may have allergic reactions or sensitivities. If an unusual allergic reaction is suspected, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
Strawberry 'Red Glory' is not toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for dogs and cats to eat the ripe fruit in moderation. However, the leaves and stems can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Always monitor pets when they are around plants and consult with a veterinarian if any signs of distress occur after ingestion.
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
5-8
Native area
Hybrid origin
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruits: Produces strawberries that are widely enjoyed fresh, in desserts, and in jams.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its attractive foliage and bright red fruits.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Ground Cover: Dense growth habit can help reduce weed growth and protect soil from erosion.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for growing in pots or containers for those with limited space.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers seasonal changes in color and texture throughout the growing season.
- Educational: Can be used to teach children about plant growth and fruit development.
- Culinary Versatility: Strawberries can be used in a wide variety of culinary applications.
- Local Food Source: Cultivating your own strawberries reduces reliance on store-bought fruits and can contribute to food security.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant properties: Strawberry fruits, such as those from Fragaria × ananassa 'Red Glory', contain vitamins C and E and flavonoids which can help neutralize free radicals in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Certain compounds in strawberries may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Cardiovascular health: Regular consumption of strawberries has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases due to their high content of anthocyanins and potassium.
- Blood sugar regulation: Strawberries have a low glycemic index and may help in regulating blood sugar levels, making them a beneficial food for managing diabetes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Dye: The red pigments in strawberries can be used to dye fabrics a soft pink or light red hue.
- Educational Tool: Strawberry plants can be used in schools to teach children about plant biology, pollination, and fruit development.
- Groundcover: Because of their spreading habit, strawberry plants can be used as an edible groundcover in gardens and landscapes.
- Strawberry Picking Events: Farms can host strawberry picking events, utilizing the plant's popularity for agritourism and community engagement.
- Eco-friendly Packaging Material: Dried strawberry plants can be used to create biodegradable packaging materials as a green alternative to plastics.
- Cosmetic Ingredient: Strawberry extracts, derived from the fruit, can be used in cosmetic products for their fragrance and colorant properties.
- Pet Food Flavoring: Strawberry can be used as a natural flavoring in pet foods, particularly for treats.
- Natural Sweetener: Strawberry can be used to sweeten foods naturally in cooking or baking, as a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners.
- Photography Prop: Strawberry plants can serve as photogenic subjects or natural props in still life and food photography.
- Garden Aesthetics: With their bright flowers and fruits, strawberries can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and provide a pop of color.
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- Love and desire: As a variety of strawberry, 'Red Glory' often symbolizes romantic feelings and sensuality, due to its red color and sweet flavor, which evoke passion and pleasure.
- Perfection and goodness: Strawberries have often been associated with perfection due to their heart-shape and delicious taste, suggesting that 'Red Glory' could also symbolize the ideal or good things in life.
- Innocence and purity: In Christian art, the strawberry is sometimes used to symbolize purity and virtue, thus 'Red Glory' might carry this symbolic meaning as well.
- Fertility and abundance: Strawberries are known for their numerous seeds and can represent fertility and abundance, making 'Red Glory' a symbol for growth and plentifulness.
WaterStrawberry 'Red Glory' prefers consistently moist soil without being waterlogged. During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, ensuring the water penetrates the root zone. During hot spells or in very sandy soil, increase watering to twice a week. Watering in the early morning is best to allow foliage to dry out during the day and reduce disease risk. During winter, reduce watering to prevent root rot, but do not let the soil completely dry out.
LightStrawberry 'Red Glory' thrives in full sun conditions, which means it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for planting or placing this strawberry variety is an area that receives bright, unfiltered sunshine throughout the day. Avoid overly shaded areas as this can reduce fruit production and lead to poor plant health.
TemperatureStrawberry 'Red Glory' grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. It can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F and up to 85°F, but prolonged exposure outside this range can damage or kill the plant. Offering protection from extreme heat or cold is essential for the health and productivity of the plant.
PruningStrawberry 'Red Glory' should be pruned to remove any dead or diseased foliage and to allow better air circulation around the plants. Prune the runners throughout the growing season to focus the plant's energy on fruit production. Pruning is best done immediately after harvest, which is typically in late spring to early summer, depending on your climate.
CleaningNot needed
SoilStrawberry 'Red Glory' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8. A soil mix containing one part sand, one part compost, one part peat moss, and a bit of perlite is ideal for ensuring good drainage and fertility.
RepottingStrawberry 'Red Glory' should be repotted every one to two years to replenish nutrients and prevent root crowding. Replace old soil with fresh potting mix and replant in early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingStrawberry 'Red Glory' prefers moderate humidity levels, ideally between 65-80%. They do not require extremely high humidity but should not be placed in overly dry environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Position in full sun, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleFragaria × ananassa 'Red Glory', commonly known as strawberry, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in early spring. Following germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage where leaves and roots develop rapidly. As the plant matures, flower buds form and blossom into white flowers, often indicative of the shift to the reproductive stage and occurring in late spring. The flowers are then pollinated, either by insects or via self-pollination, leading to the development of strawberries throughout the summer months. Once the fruit is ripe, it can be harvested, and the plant will continue to produce fruit through its productive years until conditions become less favorable. In the off-season, typically in fall and winter, the plant enters a dormant stage where above-ground growth ceases, but it can survive until the next spring to begin the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagation for the garden strawberry, which is the common name for Fragaria × ananassa 'Red Glory', is through runner division. This is ideally done in the late summer after the plants have fruited. Runners are long horizontal stems that extend from the main plant and at their tips, they form new clone plants called plantlets. Once these plantlets have developed their own roots, which typically occurs after they have touched the soil, gardeners can sever the runner connecting them to the mother plant. These newfound plants can then be carefully dug up and transplanted to a new location where they are spaced about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate room for growth. This method is straightforward and ensures that the characteristic traits of the 'Red Glory' cultivar are preserved in the new plants.
