Fragaria × Comarum hybrids facts for kids

A hybrid plant called 'Pink Panda'

A pink flower from the 'Pink Panda' plant

Did you know that strawberries can be crossed with other plants to create new and interesting hybrids? These special plants are a mix of Fragaria (strawberries) and Comarum (marsh cinquefoil) species. Scientists have even given them a special name: × Comagaria.

These hybrid plants are quite unique! When they are first created, they often have seven sets of chromosomes. Four sets come from the strawberry parent, and three sets come from the Comarum parent. This mix gives them qualities from both sides of their family tree.

Cool Hybrid Plants You Might See

All the hybrid plants grown for sale look more like strawberries than Comarum plants. They grow very well and spread easily by sending out long stems called runners.

Popular Types of Strawberry Hybrids

• Frel (also known as Pink Panda) is a special hybrid strawberry. It was created by crossing a garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) with a plant called Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre). Then, it was crossed back with a strawberry plant. 'Pink Panda' is grown mostly for its pretty looks. It has bright pink flowers, which is unusual because most strawberry plants have white flowers. It also grows a few small strawberries.

• Franor (sold as Red Ruby) is a type of 'Frel' that changed slightly over time. Its flowers are an even brighter red color.

• Gerald Straley grew from a seed of 'Frel'. It was chosen at a botanical garden in Washington because it has very bright red flowers. It was named after a person who used to take care of the plants at the University of British Columbia Botanical Gardens.

• Lipstick is another hybrid created in 1966. It's a cross between the Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre) and the Garden Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa). 'Lipstick' has deep pink to red flowers. Its berries are a bit bigger and taste better than those from 'Frel'. Like 'Pink Panda', 'Lipstick' is also grown for its beautiful flowers.

'Lipstick' strawberry bloom

'Lipstick' strawberry plant with runners