False Strawberry
waldsteinia ternata
Also known as: ["Yellow Waldsteinia","Golden Waldsteinia"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial with yellow flowers resembling strawberry blossoms, forming dense mats of foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","ground cover"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Waldsteinia |
| Botanical Name: | Waldsteinia ternata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: ground cover in rock gardens or woodland edges
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; divide every 3–4 years to rejuvenate the plant.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; division is the primary maintenance task.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide afternoon shade in hot areas; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates winter cold but requires protection from extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain consistent soil moisture in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas; discontinue in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings; division is the most reliable method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots and shoots.
- Replant immediately at the same depth.
- Water well after planting.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Moderate humidity; partial shade; consistent moisture but not waterlogged soil.
Medium
Garden soil mixed with sand or perlite for better drainage; can also be propagated directly in the garden.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for stem cuttings to encourage rooting.
Timeline
Division establishes quickly in 1–2 weeks; stem cuttings may take 4–6 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, pruning shears, gloves.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; ensure each division has healthy roots and foliage.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip away dead or yellowing leaves at the base; divide clumps by digging up and splitting with a sharp tool.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Pruning shears, garden fork, gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead foliage; divide crowded clumps; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches if repotting is necessary.
Method
If repotting, use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure the pot has drainage holes; gently tease out roots if they are pot-bound.
Suggestions
Not typically required unless grown in containers; division is more common than repotting.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage; incorporate sand or perlite in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or crown damage in extreme cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage or crown dieback, especially in poorly drained soil.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; plant in well-drained soil to prevent frost heave; protect from harsh winds.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply sparingly; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Waldsteinia ternata is not heavy feeder; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicWaldsteinia ternata is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicWaldsteinia ternata is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicWaldsteinia ternata is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption, though it is not commonly used as a food source.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Waldsteinia ternata spread aggressively?
A: Yes, it spreads via runners and can form dense mats, making it useful as a ground cover but potentially invasive in some settings.
Q: Is Waldsteinia ternata suitable for shade?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun but can tolerate some shade, though flowering may be reduced.
Q: How often should Waldsteinia ternata be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; it is somewhat drought tolerant once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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