PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial sun to full sun; tolerates coastal salt spray and light shade in inland regions
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil dries out; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to mild frosts; thrives in cool to temperate coastal climates
Characteristics
- Leaf: Glossy, dark green trifoliate leaves with serrated edges; evergreen in mild temperate climates
- Flower: White five-petaled blooms with bright yellow stamens, resembling garden strawberry flowers
- Fruit: Small, round red edible berries with a mild, sweet flavor; smaller than cultivated garden strawberries
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit
Banana peel compost tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20, and apply as a root drench to avoid odorPruning
- Trim overgrown runners in late spring to maintain a compact ground cover
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage new foliage and additional blooms
- Clear dead or damaged leaves in early spring to promote airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirms no toxicity to cats; safe for feline exposure
Humans: Edible ripe berries and foliage pose no toxicity risk to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Coastal erosion control, edible ground cover, ornamental garden filler
