Grecian StrawberryTree
Arbutus andrachne
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
Arbutus andrachne is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 6
Where it is found
Evergreen scrub and rocky slopes on limestone, serpentine and igneous rocks in areas that are very dry in summer.
S.E. Europe. W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or cooked. A luscious, juicy texture with a sweet but insipid flavour. Many people do not like eating more than a few of the raw fruits, though I find them very acceptable. They make a good cooked fruit in preserves etc. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Plants can be grown as a hedge, they are tolerant of some trimming. Wood - hard, close-grained.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Hedge: Hedge
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position with shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young. Requires a lime-free soil according to some reports, but it thrives on a limy soil according to other reports. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. The flowers are sweetly scented. Dislikes being transplanted, it should be placed in its final position whilst young, giving some protection in its first winter outdoors. Plants are very slow growing. Most plants cultivated under this name are in fact A. x andrachnoides 'Serratula'.
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. 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; Hedge;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist