Fragaria x 'Pink Panda' - Pink Panda Strawberry

An ornamental strawberry perfect for containers, hanging baskets, window boxes or used as groundcover; bright rose-pink flowers are nestled on top of mounded green foliage; small bright red strawberries make an appearance during the summer months

Height: 6 inches. Spread: 18 inches. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 3a.

Ornamental features

Pink Panda Strawberry has masses of beautiful rose daisy flowers with lemon yellow eyes along the stems from late spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. It features an abundance of magnificent red berries from late spring to early fall. Its round compound leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Landscape

Pink Panda Strawberry is an open herbaceous perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

Recommended for: Border Edging, General Garden Use, Groundcover, Container Planting, Hanging Baskets.

Planting and growing

Pink Panda Strawberry will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen! This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.