Arbutus unedo (also known as Strawberry Tree)
Arbutus
unedo
Spreading evergreen shrub grown for clusters of pink flowers and unusual strawberry-like fruits. Tolerates coastal exposure and atmospheric pollution. Attractive to bees.
Flowers in late autumn followed by strawberry-like fruits.
Spreading upright shrub. H&S up to 8m.
Leaves – simple, lanceolate, glossy, dark green, serrated.
Flowers produced in clusters on red stems. Flowers are shaped a bit like hot-air balloons, and are pink tinged with white.
Fruits – strawberry-like but inedible, starting pale green and ripening to red.
Full sun.
Fertile and well drained. Can tolerate alkaline soil.
Hardy.
Resents disturbance so plant into final position whilst young. Remove damaged or crossing limbs in late autumn or winter. Can be affected by aphids and black spot.
Sow seed under glass or take cuttings in summer.
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