Strawberry Tree
Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha
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You're a very patient man. Four years a long wait for a flower. I hope you've done other things in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteLOL, it's not that bad when you have around 60 other hydrangeas that are blooming!
ReplyDeleteSo I haven't worked through all of your posts yet (my, I'm starting this late . . .)--where's your secret garden? Is it mostly shade? The hydrangea is beautiful, by the way--well worth waiting for. I've been nursing one I rescued from a landscaper at a friend's house for about three years, and it finally bloomed this summer. Not as exotic as yours, but I'm glad to see it come back!
ReplyDeleteI glad you didn't pull it up. It is one of my favorites and bloomed for me at a young age, and is now quited florific and very blue.
ReplyDeleteThat one is really different. Definitely worth the wait. It's hard know whether moving something will help it bloom or kill it. I'm glad this turned out well for you.
ReplyDeleteGood things come to those who wait :), Phillip. Love your "popcorn hydrangea " which is a most unusual variety of Macrophylla.
ReplyDeleteI see from the pink color that your soil is alkaline which Ayesha doesn't like and will not tolerate much of. Try adding some acidic soil amendments and when she turns blue you'll know she's got enough acid.
Very pretty! Worth the wait I'd say!
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, Ayesha is awesome and aren't you glad you moved her? I have moved every one of my hydrangeas to better soil and closer to the hose spigot. They all look better, although it was a set back in size. Best in the long haul though. I have seen mature Ayeshas in Charleston, they are so worth the wait.
ReplyDeleteI believe she was worth waiting for. Those cupped sepals are cute.
ReplyDeleteVery lovely and worth the wait.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
Just Beautiful ,Phillip.AND you have 60 other hydrangeas! And a spectacular Southern garden. It is always a pleasure to to see a plant blooming when it is special and you have had to wait.
ReplyDeleteWell, it was certainly worth it and thank you for telling us about it.
Best,
Philip
Four years is a long time, but it was certainly worth the wait!
ReplyDeleteIn a few years we will have shade in the garden again and we will fill it with hydrangeas!
ReplyDeleteLovely phillip but then I think all your Hydrangeas are! Some plants are worth the effort to get such pretty blooms!
ReplyDeleteGail
A lovely bloom and some great foliage also! I hope she sends out some more blooms for you to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHydrangeas are one of my all time favorites. This is a beautiful one. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt is very beautiful. I hope it starts to bloom profusely for you in the coming months.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteI would feel like celebrating! I bet you did, too.
ReplyDeleteShe is well worth the wait. My Ayesha had 15 blooms the first year. While sulking at her pot size she is bravely putting out blooms. Maybe this fall she can be promoted to a bigger spot. I always recommend her to friends and customers. An amazing plant, with those bubble gum pink flowers.
ReplyDeleteJen
Hi Phillip, I've never seen the gorgeous hydrangea before. I have only three different hydrangeas in my garden ( I planted them this year), and I love Nikko most. Is your gorgeous hydrangea from Japan?
ReplyDeleteThat is a beauty! Even prettier than the Lace Caps!
ReplyDeleteYou've given me hope. I have a load of plants which I've had for three or four years which have never bloomed - a philadelphus, a lily, a calla, some irises ... maybe I'll just hang on a bit longer.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty indeed!! How many acers is your garden? If you have 60 other hydrangeas and all the other plants you post about I would have to say about 10?!? Oh and yes you are a patient person!
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