Arbutus unedo

strawberry-tree

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil but can tolerate alkaline soils
• Rate of growth: slow-growing
• Flowering period: September to November
• Flower colour: white, often pink tinged
• Other features: lovely strawberry-like red fruit
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  Spreading, shrubby tree with shredding brown bark and glossy bright green leaves. It is attractive in autumn when the white flowers, often tinged pink, are produced and the fruit from last year are turning red. The tree gets it's name from these fruit, which look like strawberries but sadly don't taste like them. An excellent tree for costal gardens or in a sheltered spot inland.
  

• Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting and stake well.