Strawberry Lily
gagea fragifera
Also known as: ["Strawberry Grass","Wild Strawberry Lily"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with grass-like leaves and small yellow flowers resembling strawberries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Gagea |
| Botanical Name: | Gagea fragifera |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny borders
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; mimics natural woodland soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove dead foliage in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidying rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching; place in filtered light during peak summer; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light cycles.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid intense afternoon sun; rotate pot for even light exposure; provide dappled shade in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging, especially during dormancy; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture during growth.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.
Keep in a cool spot during dormancy; protect from extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to prevent bulb rot; apply before flowering; stop in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; separate small bulbils that form around the base of mature bulbs.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully dig up mature bulbs.
- Separate small bulbils.
- Replant at the same depth as the parent bulb.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall, after foliage dies back but before winter dormancy.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with consistent moisture but good drainage.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division.
Timeline
Bulbils may take 1–2 years to establish and flower after division.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, small trowel.
Quick Tips
Handle bulbils gently to avoid damage; plant at the same depth as the parent; protect from extreme temperatures.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; remove yellowing or dead leaves carefully.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; remove spent flower stalks after blooming to tidy appearance and redirect energy to bulb development.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut back dead foliage; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after foliage has died back.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Carefully lift bulbs; remove old or damaged ones; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil; space bulbs appropriately.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; best done during dormancy.
Checklist
Check for crowded bulbs; use fresh soil mix; replant at correct depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; reduce in dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply but does not pool; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growth (spring), allowing soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering significantly in summer dormancy and winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or failure to flower in overly cold conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can induce dormancy; prolonged cold may damage bulbs if not properly mulched or protected.
Solution: Mulch heavily around bulbs in fall; protect from frost with a layer of straw or burlap; ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to wilt or scorch, disrupting photosynthesis and flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply at base; fertilize only in growing season; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply once in early spring as growth begins; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Gagea fragifera can be slightly toxic to cats if ingested, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal irritation due to their starch content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Gagea fragifera can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal irritation due to their starch content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicGagea fragifera is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, the bulbs may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large quantities due to their high starch content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Gagea fragifera have any medicinal uses?
A: There is no widely documented medicinal use for Gagea fragifera.
Q: How often should I water Gagea fragifera?
A: Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Gagea fragifera attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies with its flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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