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 a beautiful hydrangea. I love the deep blue.
ReplyDeleteThe color is beautiful. Nice, big blooms on a relatively compact plant.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Very nice specimen. I know that aluminum is necessary in the soil to produce blue pigment.
ReplyDeleteI really like these blue hydrangea. I did however see a really tacky display of them which left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm trying to get over it, but it's going to take some time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet plant. It looks like a baby Niko blue.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beauty dress in its blue. The compact shrub makes it very appealing for small gardens.
ReplyDeleteYou are torturing me with these gorgeous hydrangea blooms and vignettes! :-)
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I sure with I had more shady spaces for hydrangeas like that. Of course then I'd be providing a deer buffet...
ReplyDeleteYou sure have the touch with the Hydrangeas. The frilly petals are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThe concrete steps would add alkalinity to the soil which would turn the blooms pink. That is our problem in So. Cal. with highly alkaline water, we can't get those beautiful blue bloom like you do. It is lovely!
ReplyDeleteYour hydrangea looks perfect by the steps and birdbath. I like hydrangeas planted along a path, so I can enjoy the blossoms close-up as I walk past. I am planning to add more hydrangeas to a path which already has several varieties. I will keep this one in mind!
ReplyDelete