Strawberry Tree

Arbutus unedo Atlantic

• 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
• Other features: lovely strawberry-like fruit
• Hardiness: very hardy

  
  A smaller, compact variety with similar shredding, brown bark and glossy green leaves. In autumn the small white flowers appear at the same time as the fruit from last year which turn from yellow to red. It doesn't always make a good specimen tree as it prefers to spread out in a large border. The name strawberry tree comes from the bright red, strawberry-shaped fruit which are edible but insipid. 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