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 love it!
ReplyDeleteThat bloom is unusual with the white edge around the bloom.
ReplyDeletedoes it have any fall color in the leaves?
ReplyDeleteThe white edge is awesome, and really makes the bloom pop
ReplyDeleteNice!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful. I adore hydrangeas and it's great to learn about these.
ReplyDeleteIt's a keeper.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful. What I wouldn't give to be able to grow lacecaps.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Hot pink--love the 'halo' on the edges, too!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning! Can't wait to see it in person.
ReplyDeleteI love picoteed flowers. That lacecap is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteHydrangeas are one of my favorite shrubs, mostly because of the gorgeous blooms. So it's nice to see a completely different look in a lacecap - that white edge sets off the bold pink beautifully. I bet it stands out in the garden like no other! Yet another plant I'll have to track down and add to the garden....
ReplyDeletePhillip I have heard of this series but never saw them. Stunning!! Keep those hydrangea shots coming.
ReplyDeleteSandra
Beautiful! This is one i would like to add to my own garden. it is quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteAnd what about powdery mildew on the foliage. Many of these have major problems with this leaf problem.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! But of course........only zone 6. I'm barely a 5......
ReplyDeletePhillip, You are surely increasing the sale of hydrangeas everywhere! This one is stellar! gail
ReplyDeleteNice...I haven't seen that variety before.
ReplyDeleteThe comments say it all. Beautiful shrub.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful!!! Love the white outlines around the petals.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
It's beautiful, I love the color.
ReplyDeleteOkay Phillip, how long do we have to wait for more hydrangeas?
ReplyDeleteWhoa! I never knew Hydrangeas come in so many colors! I learnt a lot about them from your posts on Hydrangeas. Thank you :)
ReplyDelete