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
It is amazing to me that you have room for all of these roses what with all your other plants. These roses are gorgeous. I really like the yellow one with pink edges. Champagne Wishes doesn't look too large for its spot to me. It might grow larger though. Love seeing all your roses.
ReplyDeleteI am in the process of removing Buff Beauty -a daunting task. Love it so much but it started to decline dramatically last year so off it goes. What to replace it with is the question.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful roses! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI love the Plum Perfect rose. Can it grow without chemicals? I am asking this because I don't use chemicals in my garden. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteMarijke
Marijke, I don't use chemicals either. Plum Perfect does get blackspot sometimes although it isn't too bad. I would say it is "moderately" disease resistant.
DeleteI am so amazed at how mature your garden is now Phillip. What year did you relocate? I remember receiving you relocating some years ago. Just fabulous! I've been in our 1889 Victorian since 2012 and I'm still working on a mature garden. Well Done!
ReplyDeleteKatrina, we moved here in 2015 - this is the 5th year. Things have grown so fast!
DeleteYou are had 1 rosy June! How does rose growing in the PNW compare to AL?
ReplyDeleteThey are more robust and colorful here. I have problems with powdery mildew which rarely happened in AL. Blackspot was insects were more of a problem in AL. I've never seen a Japanese beetle here (thank goodness!).
Deletenice
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