The golden strawberry is a popular perennial plant. These 3 varieties are similar and yet different in growth and flowering.
The golden strawberry (Rubus xanthocarpus) is a true miracle weapon. It grows as a ground cover and successfully fights weeds there. Group planting is recommended. Golden strawberries are also called strawberry Waldsteinia and belong to the Waldsteinia genus. This subfamily of the Rosoideae includes only about five to seven species. The plants are all distributed in the northern hemisphere. With the Waldsteinia ternata there is only one species in the German-speaking area. Attentive hikers can discover the golden strawberry in south-east Carinthia.Characteristics of the Golden Strawberry
All species are perennial, herbaceous plants. Wallensteinia form solid trunks. The leaves are arranged in a rosette on the upper foothills. The inflorescences stand out laterally. The inverted cone-shaped flowers have a small outer calyx. The sepals are close together, but without overlapping. In addition to the yellow petals, the golden strawberry also has numerous stamens.
The plant was described by Carl Ludwig von Willdenow in 1799 and assigned to the genus Waldsteinia. The name is reminiscent of Franz Adam von Waldstein, an Austrian botanist. The scope of the genus is not clearly defined. Of the five to seven suspected varieties, three species are now described in more detail.
❶ Golden Strawberry - Waldsteinia ternata
This golden strawberry is most widespread in our latitudes. It is a low-growing species that reaches heights of growth of up to 15 centimeters. Waldsteinia ternata grows luxuriantly and spreads quickly, even over larger areas. The intensively golden-yellow blossoms characterize the perpetual bloomer. The flowers appear around April. The original home of this golden strawberry is light forest areas in Northern Europe or the Near East.
Waldsteinia ternata prefers moist, humus-rich soil. In the garden, this species is best planted under trees, but it also does very well in perennial beds, as long as its urge to grow is stopped.The plant is hardy and does not require any special protection.
Similar to the related strawberry, Waldsteinia ternata spreads by stolons. This allows the plant to colonize even large areas very quickly and other plants are crowded out. The positive side effect is that weeds don't get a chance either.
This golden strawberry is extremely easy to care for. If you want to stimulate growth, you can supply the plant with conventional complete fertilizer in spring or mix compost with the potting soil. The plant needs regular watering, especially on hot days.
» Tip: During the winter, make sure that the evergreen plants do not disappear under a dense cover of leaves. An airy stand prevents rot from occurring.
❷ Golden Strawberry - Waldsteinia geoides
This variety of golden strawberry is also commonly referred to as Hungarian root. The Waldsteinia geoides grows about twice as high as Waldsteinia ternata. The flowers also appear early in the year and are golden yellow in colour. In contrast to Waldsteinia ternata, this variety does not spread quickly and uncontrollably. Although rhizomes are formed, runners are not produced.
» Tip: These plants are decorative in isolation, but are not suitable for large areas of greenery.
This variety has been known since the beginning of the 19th century. Waldsteinia geoides only thrives in Europe. The main areas of distribution are in Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia. There you can find the plants quite often in sparse forests, in the shade of hedges and bushes or on mountain slopes.
❸ Golden Strawberry - Waldsteinia fragarioides
This variety of golden strawberry cannot be counted among the early bloomers. The flowers do not appear until May and the flowering period extends into July. It is a particularly low-growing species. An average of ten centimeters is reached. The maximum growth height is 20 centimeters. The flower color of the perennial herbaceous plant is identical to the species just described.
» Tip: Waldsteinia fragarioides is able to form both rhizomes and stolons and is therefore eager to reproduce itself.
The distribution area of this golden strawberry is in the east of North America. There the Waldsteinia fragarioides is in forests and at ratherfound on shady slopes. In rare cases, the plants are used as ornamental plants for groups of trees.
An overview of the most popular golden strawberry varieties
| Type | Features and special features |
|---|---|
| Waldsteinia ternata | • It is a groundcover that multiplies particularly quickly through the formation of runners. • The flower color is strikingly golden yellow. • The flowering period extends from April to May. • Due to its dense and persistent growth, the plant can even displace weeds from its location. |
| Waldsteinia geoides | • These plants can reach heights of growth of up to 30 centimetres. • The flowering period also extends to April and May. • This golden strawberry is also suitable for planting in Discounts, because no runners are formed. |
| Waldsteinia fragarioides | • This golden strawberry grows particularly low. • The plant is capable of producing both rhizomes and runners. • The flowering period begins in May and lasts until July in. |
Golden Strawberry Varieties: Similarities & Differences
| Type | Similarities | differences |
|---|---|---|
| Waldsteinia ternata | • yellow flowers • early bloomers • hardy • evergreen • height of growth about 15 centimeters | • forms foothills • occurs in Carinthia |
| Waldsteinia geoides | • yellow flower • early bloomer • hardy • evergreen | • growth height up to 30 centimetres • forms rhizomes • grows in Hungary, Bulgaria or Romania |
| Waldsteinia fragarioides | • yellow flower color • hardy • evergreen • growth height up to 15 centimeters | • Late bloomer • makes runners and rhizomes • native to North America |