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
That is quite the color Phillip! My eyes are dancing... perhaps the name shield comes in to play here. Seriously a daring plant and in its way stunning. The leaves have that quality of some bird feathers.
ReplyDeleteWow this plant is awesome - never seen one this bright before!
ReplyDeleteI really like this plant but the one in the picture is amazing. The foliage is almost glowing with colour! Judging from the comments I specimen like this may be relatively rare.
ReplyDeleteI love the Persian Shield but can't keep it from dying. I planted it with the lavender lantana. I think it makes a pleasing combination.
ReplyDeleteI do think I'll try it again next yr. They say the 3rd times the charm.
Quick, quick! If there hasn't been frost on it, pick great bouquets of it and keep inside in bright light. It will root and you can keep it like keeping coleus.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favs. Pinch little pieces off the leggy pieces in spring and root them.
I plant them in the ground for summer. They are hardy here, but I take cuttings in fall just to make sure.
Hi Phillip~~ A great shot of a great plant. I know this sounds cliche but with foliage like this, who needs flowers?!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, beautiful foliage and I had never heard of this one. I *love* your blog and so happy I discovered it, as your gardens are totally amazing! I really hope I can find Persian Shield here in Virginia.
ReplyDeleteYou've captured its colour perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI think Nell Jeans comment says it all. I guess if you can take cuttings and get it through you'll have a head start for next year and even bigger plants.
Phillip, this is one of my favorite garden plants. Sometimes if we have a mild winter, mine will survive. I, too, have taken cuttings in the fall, and they root quite easily. This year I have one in a container on the front porch; let's see if that one makes it through the winter.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
I agree, it is a marvelous potted plant for our temperate zone. I have also pressed the leaves and used them in an art collage. They keep their color and are pretty on the back too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning photo of a wonderful plant. I haven't grown it myself, but it would look awesome with other "Victorian" plants like canna and esp. elephant's ear. (Hmmm... my container is coming together for next year!)
ReplyDeletePhillip that's a gorgeous photo.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved these! it is one of those plants that I say I'm going to get, and never do. Then I see it somewhere and remember that I wanted to get one! LOL!!! I need to make note of that this year! They are gorgeous in mixed containers.
ReplyDeleteWe had a pretty chilly night here last night, so I can imagine it was a good 10 degrees cooler there possibly
I remember seeing these in the nursery this summer, but didn't know much about them. I'm going to try them next summer on my deck, love the color.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, what spectacular colour! And the form is so lovely, too -- a sure winner!
ReplyDeleteThat is, hands down, the best photo I've ever seen of Persian Shield.
ReplyDeletePhillip, What a fantastic photo...It's a great plant and the color just jumps off the monitor. gail
ReplyDeleteI grew this once and can't imagine it as a houseplant. Seems like it might get rather large?? Although I must admit, mine didn't get as big as the tag said they would. I think it adds a beautiful and different color to the garden. btw, congrats on being on Horticulture's top 20 blog list!
ReplyDeletePhillip I keep forgetting about this plant some how .. maybe because I don't have a lot of annuals when I concentrate on the perennials so much. But every time I see a picture of it , well it takes my breath away with its beauty .. especially your picture here .. it is gorgeous !
ReplyDeleteI swear I have to remember this for now on .. I'm writing it down this time !
Joy : )
Wow. I'm kind of speechless.
ReplyDeletePhillip, that's the best photo of Persian shield I've ever seen. It does love the heat, doesn't it?~~Dee
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness that is a gorgeous photo!!
ReplyDeletePhillip you asked about the soil conditions at my place -- it's about 18" of sandy loam over a clay base, and quite acidic, 4.5-5.0.
ReplyDeleteThat image of your plant is dazzling.
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful.
Aanee
Dublin Florist
We had one just like it, color and all, and have never seen another in any nursery ever. Going to try to find them online this yr and try the clipping idea to hold into it for future yrs. :)
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if the slugs like them?
ReplyDeleteI'm in zone 5, where do you buy it?
ReplyDeleteJerry, at a local nursery.
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