Alpine Strawberries: White and Red

Because of its compact nature, attractive blossoms and delectable fragrance, the white Alpine is a favorite choice for lining paths and walkways; however, I have mine in a bed near my herb garden where previously nothing else would grow; therefore, I have determined that these are real garden gems to be had by anyone who likes to eat what they grow but doesn't know or care to prepare the soil.  What I had was a large clump of these that produced berries but it was in a location under a fruiting tree. The fruiting tree was taking all of the water and my strawberries didn't look too stressed out but they certainly didn't produce much fruit.  I then decided to move the clump and pulled all the separate plants from the clump that I could see.  I had a spot where I could try to plant them in rows...sort of.  The did in fact grow and fruited like never before.  A succession of blooms and berries have been going strong since late June.  I had sold 50 of them in the dead of Winter and that customer was delighted to get them.  Not because they couldn't find them elsewhere because with the internet they certainly could search for White Alpine Strawberries but what they wanted was to talk to a real person that could confirm the plants I have  fruit and do not produce runners, which I was happy to do.  I offer these on the shop strawberries page.  

The white Alpine Strawberry is extremely prolific and makes an excellent ground cover. However, when used as a ground cover, the white Alpine bears less fruit than if grown in your garden strawberry patch.

Still, each plant easily produces a dozen new plants each season. The Alpine cultivars are very hardy and thrive in zones three through nine.

To grow the Alpine strawberry plant as a ground cover, space mother plants in a grid, either one foot or two feet apart. Although the Alpine strawberry needs minimal care, the bed will need regular weeding during the first year.

Especially if you grow these plants as a ground cover, try these useful strawberry tips:

• Leave some fruit after each harvest and your Alpine strawberry will reseed itself.
• Birds love the sweet white berries. To keep them from eating all your strawberries, after harvest cover your plants with bird netting until you see new blossoms appear!

The White Alpine is a funny plant, with lots of possibilities. It's cousin the Red Alpine is the perfect candidate for container and patio use.

It will produce a light crop of sweet little creamy-white berries from spring till frost, it makes an excellent ground cover or container plant. Not at its best in areas with hot, humid summers. It will grow to about 8" tall.

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