Love It: ‘Golden Alexandria’ Strawberry
The problem with so many edible plants is they are just so green. Dark green. It makes for a pretty boring color palette in the kitchen garden. I like to liven things up with vegetables like ‘Ruby Streaks’ mustard and scarlet runner beans, but I’m always on the hunt for edible plants with more color.
Enter ‘Golden Alexandria’ strawberry. A gorgeous, runnerless alpine strawberry that will be playing a starring role in a new bed I built last weekend. I’m planning on planting several ‘Golden Alexandria’ plants along a berm with a mix of basils (‘Lettuce Leaf’, ‘Genovese’, ‘Ararat’, ‘Mrs. Burns Lemon’, and ‘Purple Ruffle’s) in the mid-ground, and a row of pole beans trellised on black bamboo behind. ’Golden Alexandria’ supposedly produces sweet, small berries all season and grows well in light shade, too, which is good news for all of you with sun-challenged gardens!
I first spotted this strawberry at Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco last March. Regretfully, I did not buy any plants to bring home and by the time this spring rolled around I couldn’t remember the name. Luckily, Clarke de Mornay, Flora Grubb’s vegetable expert, knew exactly which plant I was talking about! I haven’t been able to find any ‘Golden Alexandria’ plants in Seattle, so I’m mail ordering from Annie’s Annuals nursery.
hint: pretty sure I saw some 4″ of these at the W. Seattle nursery…or at least it was some variety of golden alpine strawberry. Still kicking myself for not getting them while I was there. I now know exactly where they’re going in my garden!
March 9th, 2010 at 9:57 am.-= gardenmentor´s last blog ..Washington State Bill May End Up Taking the P out of Lawn Fertilizer NPK =-.
I just ordered four ‘Golden Alexandria’ Strawberries from Annie’s Annuals! I didn’t even think to look local (but I love Annie’s). I’m putting mine in our front perennial garden along the front walkway. Great minds think alike!
March 9th, 2010 at 12:23 pmJelitto Seeds carries seed of Fragaria vesca ‘Golden Alexandria’. I plan to replace the regular alpine strawberries growing under my espalier apple trees with these as they are so much prettier. They are easy from seed, bear all summer and birds do not eat them.
March 9th, 2010 at 12:34 pmI have a one of these (don’t know if it’s this exact variety), it’s lovely and delicious! I just noticed it’s beautiful leaves standing out this weekend. I’ve been enjoying alpine strawberries in general lately, they’re attractive little plants and they offer tasty little treats while weeding! Thanks for reminding me I need more.
March 9th, 2010 at 12:35 pmI’m sold…just ordered a hundred seeds from eSeeds.com. You deserve a commission, Willi. Thanks for the introduction to a very cool plant!
March 9th, 2010 at 3:15 pm.-= Wendy´s last blog ..Fun with Onions =-.
GardenMentor–Thanks for the hot tip! I”m totally going to check it out tomorrow. Want me to pick some up for you??
Angela–Great minds do think alike. I’ve been looking for an excuse to order from Annie’s and was glad to find one, though if I can get them at my local nursery I don’t think I’ll be able to pass up no shipping fees!
Caroline–What a great idea to use strawberries as a groundcover under espaliered trees. I bet it look so pretty.
Justine–I totally agree that alpine strawberries make the perfect garden snack! Yum
Wendy–No problem…and you deserve an award for starting them from seed!
March 9th, 2010 at 9:53 pmCompletely agree agree, golden colors make for an amazing garden. Especially when paired with a bit of purple. I picked up some golden Oregano at Bellevue Nursery the other day and it’s sooooo springy and chartreuse!
March 9th, 2010 at 9:57 pm.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Side by Side Seed Tray Experiment =-.
Beautiful! I love chartreuse in the garden – and it’s uncommon in the veggie patch, so that makes it even more special. Also, I’m so jealous you went to San Fran and Flora Grubb! I’ll have to make a pilgrimage there one day.
March 10th, 2010 at 8:41 amAlso check out the WS farmer’s market as I always get my plants from Langley Fine Gardens. Wendy, you won’t have to wait long – my plants readily reseed generously…meaning I never have to go inside for a snack during strawberry season. I think they taste like strawberry jolly roger candies…in a good way:) Come get some black bamboo Willi – can’t wait to see your project. You’re one busy gal!
March 14th, 2010 at 7:47 pm.-= Lorene´s last blog ..Growing your own…feeds larder & soul. =-.
Sure enough we do have the ‘Golden Alexandria’ strawberry plants in right now. After the weekend we have about a flat left but we should be ordering more for this week. $3.49 for 4″. Hope to see you soon!
April 25th, 2011 at 2:36 pm