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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

Hydrangea "Veitchii"




One for the top 10 list is this elegant but tough hydrangea that is a dependable performer. It grows in an upright habit and is always loaded with lovely flattish white lacecap sepals with fertile blue flowers. The flowers age to pink. An added bonus are the dark green leaves that turn yellow/red in the fall. It is mildew resistant and is reputed to have exceptional cold hardiness. In 2002, it received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Veitchii was imported from Japan in 1861.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. How do I find out which Lacecap I have....?

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  2. Darla, it is often very difficult to identify a hydrangea because, as you've probably noticed, they look similar and to make matters worse, most of them will look different in other people's gardens because of the soil types. I would suggest getting a book on hydrangeas (there are several good ones) and compare yours with photos and the descriptions. Good luck!

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  3. Phillip - thanks for your comment. I learned to put newpaper under the mulch from Frances Worthington former garden columnist for our regional newspaper here in Upstate SC The Greenville News.
    This is a beautiful hydrangea you have pictured. I'm not wild about lace caps but its pretty in the garden. I am in search of the little dwarf sized bushes i see around town.

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  4. Oh, how absolutley lovely.
    Hydrangeas' are one of my most favorite plants, although I never have much luck with them in my own garden, I do admire them form afar.
    Just a lovely specimen.

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  5. I'm blaming you when the partner starts screeching about what I'm spending on additional hydrangeas......

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  6. These are lovely! I love them coz they seem to bloom forever, only I couldn't get them in my city...

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  7. Okay that's it - I'm moving to Alabama where Hydrangea is a happy plant. Phillip you do so well with them! If I were a Hydrangea I'd want to live right there in your garden!

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  8. I'm really wishing for a shaded, fenced garden! Quite a lovely!

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