Arbutus x andrachnoides
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
Arbutus x andrachnoides is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Not known
S.E. Europe to W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 4
Fruit - raw. A pleasant texture with a sweet but delicate flavour, the fruit is considered to be insipid by many people. Very similar in size and taste to the strawberry tree, A. unedo, though it is not usually borne very freely.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a lime-free nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position with shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young. Unlike most members of this genus, this species thrives on a limy soil. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. A naturally occurring hybrid between A. unedo and A. andrachne. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value. Trees rarely produce fruit in Britain. Plants resent root disturbance and are best placed in their final positions whilst young. Give them some protection in their first winter. Plants sometimes flower in the spring, but more usually in the late autumn and early winter.
Propagating it: Seed - best surface sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be soaked for 5 - 6 days in warm water and then surface sown in a shady position in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to become dry. 6 weeks cold stratification helps. The seed usually germinates well in 2 - 3 months at 20°c. Seedlings are prone to damp off, they are best transplanted to individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and should be kept well ventilated. Grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts. This species is a hybrid and is unlikely to breed true from seed. Basal cuttings in late winter. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, November/December in a frame. Poor percentage. Layering of young wood - can take 2 years.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist