Lipstick Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis ‘Lipstick’) is an eye-catching, spreading groundcover valued for its glossy green foliage and vibrant rose-red flowers with golden-yellow centers. Unlike the typical beach strawberry, which produces delicate white flowers, ‘Lipstick’ stands out with colorful blooms that appear from spring through fall in favorable conditions. Its compact growth habit and ability to spread make it an excellent choice for garden borders, containers, slopes, and coastal landscapes. It thrives in full sun near the coast and partial shade in hotter inland areas, and it is relatively drought tolerant once established. Small red fruits may develop after flowering, adding extra interest and attracting birds and other wildlife.

Quick care: Full sun along the coast • Part shade inland • Low to moderate water • Well-drained soil • Rose-red flowers • Glossy green foliage.

Plant Profile

• Plant Type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial groundcover

• Mature Size: Approximately 4–6 inches tall and 12–20 inches wide, spreading farther over time

• Native Range: Horticultural selection sold as Fragaria chiloensis ‘Lipstick’; unlike straight-species beach strawberry, this cultivar is grown primarily for ornamental flowers

• Flower Color: Bright rose-red to deep pink with yellow centers

• Bloom Time: Spring through fall, with flowering influenced by climate and growing conditions

• Foliage: Glossy, deep green leaves with three coarsely toothed leaflets

• Growth Habit: Low-growing, compact, spreading mound that expands by aboveground runners called stolons

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun along the coast; partial shade or afternoon shade in hotter inland gardens

• Water: Low to moderate once established; regular watering during establishment encourages vigorous growth

• Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or garden soil; avoid persistently waterlogged conditions

• USDA Zones: Approximately 5–9, depending on local conditions

• Drought Tolerant: Yes, once established, especially in coastal climates

• Maintenance: Low; trim runners to manage spreading and remove faded flowers or damaged foliage as needed. Removing developing fruit may encourage additional flowering.

Planting Instructions

• Best Planting Time: Fall through spring in California, when temperatures are mild and seasonal rainfall supports establishment

• Spacing: Plant approximately 12–18 inches apart for groundcover, allowing room for runners to fill in

• Planting Depth: Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide. Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its nursery container, keeping the crown at soil level

• Establishment Water: Water thoroughly after planting. Water regularly during the first growing season, allowing the soil to drain between waterings

• Long-Term Care: Gradually reduce watering as the plant establishes. Provide occasional deep watering during extended dry periods, particularly inland. Trim runners to maintain boundaries and remove older foliage when needed. Avoid excessive irrigation and poorly drained soil.

Wildlife & Pollinators

• Attracts: Native bees, butterflies, and other flower-visiting insects

• Pollinator Value: Its bright, open flowers provide accessible floral resources for visiting pollinators

• Wildlife Benefits: Small red fruits may attract birds and other wildlife, although fruit production can be limited

• Deer Resistant: May tolerate some browsing, but deer resistance varies by location

• Garden Benefits: Excellent for coastal gardens, pathway borders, containers, rock gardens, slopes, and low-growing groundcover plantings

• Notable: ‘Lipstick’ is especially valued for its unusually colorful flowers and long blooming season. It can create a lush, flowering carpet or spill attractively over container edges. While it is sold under the name Fragaria chiloensis ‘Lipstick’, some horticultural references classify ‘Lipstick’ as an ornamental hybrid strawberry, so its exact parentage may vary between references.