ARBUTUS unedo

Description:Common name: Strawberry Tree. A handsome evergreen spreading shrub / tree with glossy, slightly toothed leaves. The shiny red-brown bark becomes rough and sheds with age. White bell-shaped flowers, sometimes tinged pink are produced late in the year from September to November. Red strawberry- like fruits are also produced in the autumn at the same time as the flowers and so together they create a wonderful show amongst the dark green leaves at this time of year

Climate/Position: Full sun in a sheltered site. Fully hardy

Height/Spread: Height 8m and spread 8m. Though rarely reaches this height

Soil Requirements: Grow in a fertile, well-drained soil. Will tolerate alkaline soil

Pruning: No pruning required. Remove wayward shoots in late winter to early spring. Special Requirements: Shelter from cold winds

Special Requirements: Arbutus unedo are easy to grow and generally trouble free

Additional Interest: The Latin word unedo translates as 'I eat one only'. This says it all for the taste of the fruit! Awarded RHS AGM in 2002