Arbutus unedo - Strawberry tree

Arbutus unedo ,or Strawberry Tree, gets its name from its edible red fruits, which resemble strawberries. Its beautiful white, bell-shaped flowers appear at the end of August. Occasionally, the flowers are pink.

Arbutus unedo forms a compact bush. The evergreen, elliptical leaves measure 6 cm to 9 cm (2.4 in to 3.5 in) long. They have slightly toothed edges, and are dark green and shiny on the upper side. The branches and trunk are adorned with exfoliating reddish bark in long, thin strips. At the end of August, melliferous, white flowers appear. The flowers resemble lily-of-the-valley bells and have a diameter of 7 mm (0.3 in). One year after flowering, they are replaced by small yellow, then red, strawberry-like balls, 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. The fruit is edible and delicious when ripe; they make especially jellies.

Arbutus unedo, hardy down to -15° C (5° F), grows in well-drained, acidic soil in a sunny or semi-shaded position but protected from cold winds. At planting, pruning is necessary for shaping, then let the bush grow freely. In the first few years, protect it from heavy frost with mulch and winter cover. Be careful in choosing its location as it does not like to be transplanted.

Arbutus unedo is often used as a hedge, as a standalone plant, or in a mass planting. It is also a medicinal plant, useful in treating hypertension.