'Rügen' Alpine Everbearing Strawberry

'Rügen' alpine strawberry is a German heirloom cultivar of woodland strawberry known for the sweetness, aroma and intense strawberry flavour of its fruit. Compared to wild woodland strawberries from which they originated, Rügen alpine strawberries have larger, sweeter fruit and produce higher yields.

In addition to being semi-evergreen, Rügen alpine strawberries are everbearing, producing flowers and fruit from late spring right through fall. Fruit are born above the plants on long stems, keeping the berries above the soil, and out of reach of ground-dwelling pests.

Rügen alpine strawberries grow in clumps and do not produce runners. They will self-seed if encouraged - bury strawberries shallowly and the seeds will likely germinate the following spring. They make an excellent groundcover under fruit trees, as they can tolerate part shade and their wilting leaves will indicate when the soil is dry and the trees need watering.

Rügen alpine strawberries are a great addition to any food garden and are very popular amongst those who have tasted their berries.

Common names: Rügen Alpine Strawberry, Rügen Strawberry, Alpine Strawberry, Woodland Strawberry 

Edible: Fruit
Harvest timing: June - September

Scientific name: Fragaria vesca 'Rügen'
Light requirements: Full sun to part sun
Full-grown size: 6-12" tall x 8-12" wide
Hardiness: Zone 3
Pollination: Self-fertile, but increased yields with cross-pollination with other alpine strawberries. 
Wildlife: Attracts pollinators and wildlife.
Origin: Germain heirloom cultivar of woodland strawberry.
Noteworthy: Does not spread via runners. Space plants 8-12" apart.