Ornamental Strawberry Fragaria 'Red Ruby'

'Red Ruby' is a cultivar of the Fragaria, or strawberry, genus, a large collection of flowering, perennial cultivars and species in the rose family and noted for its edible fruits. 'Red Ruby', however, produces very little fruit and is more typically grown as a flowering, low growing, ornamental ground cover that spreads by wire-like stolons. It is not found in the wild. 'Red Ruby' is bred for its deep pink to red flowers and long bloom cycle (Spring and Summer until frost). Plants are compact and about 5 inches high and 12 to 24 inches wide with semi-everegreen, glossy green foliage. The flowers themselves are 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch in diameter, with five petals.

'Red Ruby' does best in medium moisture, well-drained, organically rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Full sun allows the plant to set as many flowers as possible, although afternoon shade is recommended if the site is subject to summer heat. Also, if the soil is too rich, it will encourage the plant to produce more foliage at the expense of the flowers. As the plant matures, it sends out runners, or ground stolons, on the soil surface that result in daughter plants.The plant is deer resistant and winter hardy to 10 °F. and makes an excellent plant for a basket, or container.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: 

No known diseases or insect pests.

More information on Fragaria x ananassa.