Arbutus unedo |
Native Region: British Isles, Western Europe; Mediterranean Europe.
Zone Range: 7-10
Preferred Climate: Full/semi sun; well draining average soil.
Harvest Date: Friday 04 November, 2011
Seed count: 30-40
Description:
Lovely broadleaf evergreen that bears honey scented flower trusses and brilliant scarlet fruit clusters at the same time in the fall. Pebbly textured fruit skins. My husband thought they were strawberries at first glance. Edible but not inspiring. Makes a really nice multistemmed bushy shrub. On warm late fall days, its nectar is much appreciated by bumblebees and other nectar seekers. Carefee shrub can be pruned to make a hedge.
Notes:
Seed collected from shrub forms. Drought tolerant when established; good for sea side plantings. Easy to grow. Great security/thermal cover for over wintering birds. Grows well with Buddleja davidii.
Cultivation:
Very similar to Arbutus but extremely tolerant to transplanting. Soak seed 24 hours; sow thinly!!! Germinates well even under cool temperatures (keep from freezing).
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