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
I keep waiting and watching for my pineapple lily to bloom but so far there is not even a hint of blooming. Enjoyed your GBBD post.
ReplyDelete--Curmudgeon
Lovely flowers, as usual. The Rose of Sharon is so pretty. Such a great color.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
I just love those little Rain Lilies. I wish they were hardy here. Your last container is great with the Greek key design. Oh, and the plant in it is pretty nice too. :^)
ReplyDeleteWe have been enjoying some of that Canadian air as well. It has been unusually nice for August. Myself and Cosmo also did the Crown of Thorns. Great minds.....
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah, it's been a gardening week--absolutely lovely weather. And I love to see your Crown of Thorns! Do you know the Latin name of the fan flower? I was sure I did, but I can't find it in any of my books (something starting with s-c-a . . ?)--my hummingbirds love it, but I can't count on my grocery stores to stock it in their hanging baskets every year.
ReplyDeleteCosmo, the Latin name for fan flower is Scaevola saligna. You can't beat it for summer long blooms. I'm not noticed any hummingbirds around mine but I'm sure there are there when I'm not looking.
ReplyDeleteHi, Phillip, thanks. I have it in a hanging basket outside the front window, and the hummers check it out a couple of times a day. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, I'm glad your heat and humidity is down too. Our weather has been very September like. We even got some rain. Speaking of, I really like your rain lilies. Happy Bloom Day.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteThe Pineapple Lily is interesting.
ReplyDeleteMy neighborhood is still dry but some parts of Austin had rain - you may be having a rough summer too, but it sure doesn't show in your photos, Phillip!
ReplyDeleteThe yellow rainlily is especially nice. Are the Naked Ladies done flowering for this year?
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
It took me a few days to get here to see your blooms but it was worth the wait. As always, you have some great flowers in your garden.
ReplyDeleteYou asked me about the Hydrangea 'Tardiva', if it is in sun or shade. It's on the west side of my house, so it gets afternoon sun. However, looking at them this evening, I noticed that one is blooming nicely, the other not so much. I'm not sure the difference, they are about 15 feet apart, but both on the westside. So, I'd say they do benefit from some sun to bloom well.
Carol, May Dreams Gardens