Fragaria rubicolia Mont Omei

Fragaria rubicolia 'Mont Omei', a cute little perennial herbaceous plant with evergreen foliage that we find with delight in the ornamental garden. White flowers and small red fruits with an apricot taste all summer long.

This horticultural strawberry belongs to the Rosaceae family. Since time immemorial, strawberries have taken over all the exposed lands of the planet. 'Mont Omei' has a very spreading habit and reaches 40 cm (16in) in width, about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) in height. The persistent leaves are trifoliate, obovate, well dentate and form dark green rosettes. Flowering is late: it starts in June with a multitude of small white to pink flowers with a golden heart but ensures fruiting all summer until September. These border strawberries are the size of woodland strawberries but their taste undoubtedly resembles that of an apricot.

It is admirable for its hardiness and simplicity of cultivation. It appreciates all types of soil, even limestone; adapts to partial shade but prefers full sun while tolerating short periods of drought. As it readily multiplies by stolons, be careful not to let it take too much space. We were told about the usefulness of the flowers in the vegetable garden where, with clever combinations, one could combine usefulness with pleasure. Well, here we propose to bring some edible fruits to the ornamental garden. Imagine a border along a path punctuated by small white flowers and then small red balls that can be safely eaten. That's enough to excite the children. Then comes the question of the destination of these fruits: consumption or decoration? Both, of course. By bringing together strawberries, Asters and Phlox of different colors, you will obtain the most beautiful flowerbed. In the city, grow it in a pot on a balcony or on the steps of the porch as a small welcome gift to visitors.