A unique small tree diagram , respect for both its lovely flowers and eatable fruits , the hemangioma simplex tree diagram ( Arbutus unedo ) is a indigen of Europe . Although this broad - will evergreen plant is sturdy only in USDA zones 7 through 10 , its many plus property make it well worth raise throughout most of the southern U.S. , as well as in coastal areas up and down the West Coast .
Meet The Strawberry Tree
Reaching a mature height of 10 to 25 feet , the strawberry tree has dark - gullible , calendered , 3 - in - long leaf and produces delicate panicles of minuscule , Alexander Graham Bell - mold , white flush that resemble those of a blueberry flora and sense a little like honey .
The tree come into flower in the autumn , and upon pollenation , is quickly followed by small , round fruits . The jolty - skinned fruit takes up to a class to mature and ripens from a pale yellow to a bright red . The ripe fruit are often still clinging to the branches when the fall out year ’s blossoms start out to open , covering the tree with a gorgeous combination of fruits and flowers every autumn . plant are self - fertile , so only one specimen is need for good yield set . The nectar of the strawberry tree diagram is a dearie of pollinating bee .
As the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree years , the arm squirm and gnarl , and the bark begins to fissure , lending additional interest to this beautiful , eatable landscape plant .
What Do Strawberry Tree Fruits Taste Like?
While the good fruits are n’t specially sweet , their fig - like tone and licorice - like perfume is said to make toothsome conserve and pies . Their flavour is nothing like that of a realstrawberry , and the fruit must be picked only when very ripe to avoid a grainy texture and slightly acerbic flavor . In Ireland , the strawberry tree is predict the cane Malus pumila or the Killarney strawberry tree , and in Portugal , a brandy cordial is made from the ripe fruit . It ’s also prized for its medicinal timber in some cultures .
Where To Plant A Strawberry Tree
A beautifully ornamental tree , the strawberry tree diagram is often used as a small landscape tree or hedge specimen in areas of North America where it is intrepid . To wield the plant as a multi - stemmed shrub , a simple annual pruning is all that ’s need .
Because the strawberry tree diagram is a native of the Mediterranean region , it ’s quite kind of teetotal climates and is a popular ornamental plant in California and many southern state . It prefers full sun to partial shade and is a fairly slow grower . Well - drained , lean , acidic soil are best . Strawberry tree are salt - liberal , make them a good choice for coastal areas and common salt - plague soils .
As a appendage of the heathland family , there are many name cultivars of the hemangioma simplex tree diagram , include the scant - statured selections Elfin King and Compacta , the wan pink - flowered variety Rubra , and the compact , benighted pink - flowered Oktoberfest . Most cultivar incline to be great fruited than the straight species .
Downsides To The Strawberry Tree
If the fruits are n’t harvested for usance in the kitchen , they become an important food source for wildlife . Birds greatly enjoy the fruit , specially during the wintertime months . But if the birds neglect to glean the fruit off the tree and it drops to the ground , it will make quite a tidy sum , specially if the tree diagram hangs over cars , buildings or sidewalks .
Although this plant is easy to grow and pretty trouble - free , potential pestis issues includeaphidsandwhiteflies . If a coating of steamy honeydew is noticed underneath the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s canopy , check the arm cautiously for these lilliputian , sap - sucking insects . Both can be controlled with applications of horticultural oil color or insecticidal Georgia home boy , used according to label instructions .
Strawberry tree diagram are a marvelous selection for gardener who reside in milder climate . Their striking prime , fruit , and form make strawberry Tree a not bad works with four season of pursuit .
