Basically, strawberries are surprisingly versatile! They naturally produce runners, which makes them perfect for training as climbing plants or using as a lush groundcover. How long and sturdy those runners get really depends on the specific variety you pick. Here’s the lowdown on how to make it work in your garden.
The Best Varieties for Climbing and Groundcover
If you want your strawberries to really take off as climbers or cover a lot of ground, you need a variety that’s known for producing plenty of strong runners. Of course, we also want them to look great, so high flower production and a heavy harvest are key. Here are some of my favorite picks:
- Red Panda: This one is a showstopper with gorgeous, delicate pink blossoms.
- Florika: This is your go-to if you’re looking for a reliable groundcover.
- Spadeka: An incredibly hardworking variety that loves to climb.
- Mountainstar: A real overachiever that either creeps across the garden bed or climbs tirelessly up a trellis.
You can also grow your strawberries in containers or pots. In a pot, these plants will still send out plenty of runners that drape beautifully over the sides. They don’t just look decorative; they also produce a ton of fruit! For container gardening, try these:
- Diamant
- Merosa
- Mignonette
One thing to keep in mind: if you want them to go vertical, you have to give them a little help. Strawberries aren’t natural-born climbers like ivy; they need to be “trained.” You’ll need a trellis, a fence, or some mesh. Secure the runners to your support right after planting, and keep an eye on them over the next few weeks to make sure they’re heading in the right direction.
There’s nothing quite like the sight of a climbing strawberry plant in full bloom or loaded with bright red berries. It’s a total eye-catcher for a balcony or patio—and the best part? You get to snack on those delicious homegrown berries all summer long!
Strawberry Varieties to Avoid for Climbing
It’s super important to know which varieties *won’t* work for this, because you can’t really tell just by looking at a young plant whether it’s going to produce enough runners. To save yourself some frustration, avoid these varieties if you’re looking for a climber or groundcover:
- Alexandria
- Golden Alexandria
- Rügen
- Déesse des Vallées
- Weiße Baron Solemacher
