Fragaria 'Lipstick'

Hardy from one end of the country to the other, 'Lipstick' reaches just 6 to 8 inches high, but spreads up to 3 feet wide, with quick growth and attractive deep green leaves. (Space plants 12 inches apart for dense coverage.) But the real stars of the show are the flowers ? large, showy, and continuing to pop up all summer long and into fall after a heavy spring display! Fade proof and vibrant, these rosy blooms are eye-catching and so lovely, a nice change of pace from the white or pale pink of other berries!

You can eat the early-summer berries, too, but as an Alpine variety, 'Lipstick' is different from our supermarket strawberries ? softer texture, smaller size, and juicy-tart. I find them delicious, but if they aren't to your liking, don't worry ? the birds will take care of them in no time (and eating mosquitoes and other destructive insects by the thousands while they're at it)!

Best in sun and well-drained soil (sandy, acidic soil is ideal, but any good garden loam will do), this ornamental Strawberry will delight you with its ease of care and tireless bloom power! Find a place of honor for it in your finest container or best garden spot today! Zones 3-8.