Description
Arbutus unedo is an attractive evergreen tree with young shoots are tinged red before hardening to dark green and was awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2002. Also known as the Killarney strawberry tree. The small white, bell shaped flowers appear in small clusters and are produced together with the strawberry-like red fruit in the autumn, providing a contrasting display.
As this tree matures, the brown bark sheds, giving it a peeling, ragged appearance. The Strawberry tree will tolerate most soil conditions, preferring a moist, well-drained soil. The tough evergreen leaves help to make this tree a good choice for exposed, coastal sites and as a useful screening tree.
It will tolerate hard pruning in late March/April (after the last frost), very vigorously growing back to its former glory.
