Kent Strawberry

Other Names: Garden Strawberry

Group/Class: June-Bearing

Description:

Hardy plant with firm red mid-season fruit is vigorous and productive, milder flavor, lighter color and runners don't spread as much as other types; fruit freezes well; drought tolerant, can plant in hanging baskets and containers too

Ornamental Features:

Kent Strawberry features dainty white daisy flowers with yellow eyes along the stems in mid spring. It's tomentose round compound leaves remain green in colour throughout the season. It features an abundance of magnificent cherry red berries in mid summer, which are excellent for fresh eating, cooking and baking and making jams and jellies. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

Landscape Attributes:

Kent Strawberry is an open herbaceous perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance perennial that will require regular care and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It is a good choice for attracting birds and bees to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Kent Strawberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Groundcover
• Border Edging
• Orchard/Edible Landscaping
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Plant Characteristics:

Kent Strawberry will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.

This perennial does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder zones. This plant can be propagated by division.

This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.