strawberry bush

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

4-6 ft. tall
4-6 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought, Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By cutting, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Semi-hardwood cuttings root easily. Root suckers can be divided from the parent plant.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide 6-12′ spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Strawberry bush can experience infestations from scale, mites, leaf minor, aphids, and mealybugs. May also exhibit witches’ broom, stem dieback, powdery mildew, and fungal leaf spot. Deer love to browse the foliage.

Wildlife Benefits

Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

The simple, opposite leaves are elliptical to oblong with crenulate margins. Approximately 1-3 inches wide by less than 1 inch wide. Pointed tips and rounded bases.

Flowers

The small, solitary flowers have 4-5 petals in a saucer shape. Approximately 1/3 inch wide.

Fruit

Bright Pink capsules about 3/4 inch across open to reveal bright red to orange seeds.

Bark

Stems erect or arching, four-angled. Bark is generally green, but darkens with age.

Toxicity

Low toxicity if ingested in large quantities. Could cause vomiting, diarrhea.

USDA Hardiness Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Mesic to submesic forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout SC