Duchesnea

Family. Rosaceae.

Origin. India, Asia.

Description. The genus includes 6 species of low-growing, perennial herbaceous plants. The leaves are complex, divided into 3 ovoid-shaped segments, green, on long petioles that have slight pubescence, resembling strawberry leaves in appearance. The leaf blades have pronounced veins and jagged edges. The flowers are small, yellow, with 5 rounded petals and 5 green sepals, with numerous stamens. After flowering, berries are formed, also similar to strawberries.

Height. About 20 cm.

Planting and care

Reproduction

Divide large adult specimens when replanting in spring. Seeds sown in spring. Germination usually occurs within 1 - 6 weeks at temperatures above 15 ° C. You can first stratify the seeds - that is, place them in the refrigerator for a week. Daughter plants that form on shoots - tendrils. 

Care at home

Promptly trim off old yellowing leaves at the base of the rosette. For pruning, use only sharply sharpened and sterilized tools.

Transplant 

Plants are replanted in the spring, every 2 years.

Soil

Adapts well to most types of soil, but prefers well-drained, nutritious, loose soil, and is undemanding to pH. 

Temperature

From spring to autumn, normal room temperature is good; during the winter dormant period, a drop to 10 C is possible. 

Lighting

A well-lit place without direct sunlight. Can grow in partial shade. 

Fertilizer

 During the growing season, apply liquid fertilizers 2 times a month.

Flowering time

Duchesnea blooms from April to August.

Spraying

Spray periodically if the indoor air is too dry.

Watering

Water deeply and often in the summer, keeping the soil evenly moist.  During the dormant period in winter, reduce watering. 

Pests and diseases

When water stagnates, root rot can occur.

Of the insect pests, the bush can be attacked by aphids and scale insects, spider mites. When grown in open ground, the flower is attacked by slugs and snails, larvae of the May beetle, and the Colorado potato beetle.

Purpose

Often used as a ground cover or for growing in hanging baskets. 

Note

The berries are edible and contain vitamin C, but have no taste or aroma at all.