Eetbare tuin-edible garden Arbutus unedo - Strawberry tree

• Article number: ARBUNE03

Arbutus unedo is a genus of flowering plants from the family Ericaceae (heather-like).
These grow in the Mediterranean area, but also in North America.
It is a green-lasting tree or large shrub that can reach a height of 5 to 10 meters in our climate.
The tree has shown it is very hardy and an asset to a garden. The Arbutus is also easy in maintenance. Pruning can be done yearround and can be done to shape is as well as to keep it short.

The flowers are bell-shaped and white / pink in color.
These flower clusters of about 9 cm long and 5 cm wide bloom from October to March in combination with yellow / red fruits.
These fruits resemble strawberries and are 2.5 cm tall, are edible and they taste sweet / sour, the taste resembles the berries of the currant tree (Amelanchier).

These fruits are also used in Italy in the preparation of wines and liqueurs. Jam can also be made from the fruits.
The Arbutus unedo is in bloom where other plants and trees are preparing for the winter. It is a nice addition in the garden. After the flowers a small green bulb may appear. During the winter and spring months this bulb eventually grows to become a red fruit at the end of summer. When the Arbutus is flowering it is very common to see the fruits from last year still on the tree. The combination of green, white flowers and red fruit remind one of the flag of Italy. This is perhaps why it is the national tree and flower of this country.

Winter hardiness zone 8a (-12ºC).