Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita) Saxifraga stolonifera
Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita) (Saxifraga stolonifera) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Saxifragaceae family, native to China, Japan and Korea. It grows 10–40 cm (4–16 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Mature height | 10–40 cm (4–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young leaves (tempura, in Japan) |
| Native to | China, Japan and Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita)
- How far apart should I plant Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita)?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita) flower?
- From about May for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
Notes and assumptions
- Not a begonia: round, silver-veined leaves (red beneath) spread by red runners like a strawberry; sprays of white flowers, each with two long lower petals. Good on damp shady walls and between stones.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Purple saxifrage Saxifraga oppositifolia
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