{"product_id":"arbutus-unedo-20-litre-pot-125-150cm-september-delivery","title":"Arbutus Unedo 20 Litre Pot 150\/175cm September Delivery","description":"\u003ch2\u003eArbutus unedo – Strawberry Tree\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA truly captivating evergreen tree, the \u003cstrong\u003eStrawberry Tree\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most characterful plants for the garden, offering an extraordinary autumn display when clusters of creamy white bell-shaped flowers and the previous season's ripening strawberry-like red fruits appear simultaneously on the same branches. Handsome in every season, it brings year-round structure, ornamental charm, and a touch of the Mediterranean to gardens across the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSeasonal Highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAutumn and winter\u003c\/strong\u003e are the Strawberry Tree's finest moments, when dangling clusters of small, urn-shaped white flowers open at the same time as the rounded, warty fruits ripen from yellow to vivid red. This remarkable overlap of flower and fruit on one plant is unique among hardy trees. The \u003cstrong\u003eglossy, dark green, leathery leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e provide dense evergreen cover throughout the year, while the \u003cstrong\u003eattractive cinnamon-brown peeling bark\u003c\/strong\u003e adds textural interest even in the depths of winter, making this a genuinely four-season tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreamy white bell-shaped flowers in autumn and winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrnamental red strawberry-like fruits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGlossy, dark evergreen foliage year-round\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecorative peeling cinnamon-brown bark\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent wind and coastal salt tolerance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWildlife-friendly – fruits attract birds and pollinators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecimen planting, mixed borders, and coastal gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e are all ideal settings for this versatile tree. Its tolerance of salt-laden winds makes it an outstanding choice for exposed coastal locations, while its manageable size and refined habit suit suburban and urban gardens alike. Use it as an \u003cstrong\u003earchitectural focal point\u003c\/strong\u003e, as part of an informal evergreen screen, or in a \u003cstrong\u003eMediterranean-style planting scheme\u003c\/strong\u003e. The edible fruits – though somewhat gritty and mildly astringent fresh – attract a variety of birds, making this a rewarding choice for wildlife gardens too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives in full sun or partial shade. Prefers a \u003cstrong\u003esheltered spot\u003c\/strong\u003e in colder inland areas, though it is well suited to exposed coastal sites where it excels in wind and salt. A warm, south- or west-facing aspect will encourage the best flowering and fruiting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grows best in \u003cstrong\u003ewell-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil\u003c\/strong\u003e, but is notably adaptable and will tolerate poor, dry, or stony soils once established. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. It is one of the few ericaceous plants that will also perform reasonably on near-neutral soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally \u003cstrong\u003efully hardy across most of the UK\u003c\/strong\u003e, though young plants benefit from some protection from cold drying winds in their first couple of winters. Once established, it is robust and long-lived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly during the first growing season to help the tree establish a strong root system. Once settled, \u003cem\u003eArbutus unedo\u003c\/em\u003e is impressively \u003cstrong\u003edrought tolerant\u003c\/strong\u003e and requires very little supplementary irrigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimal pruning is required. Simply \u003cstrong\u003eremove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in spring\u003c\/strong\u003e, and lightly shape if necessary to maintain a tidy form. Avoid hard pruning as the tree does not always respond well to heavy cutting back. The natural multi-stemmed habit is part of its charm and is best left to develop freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth, particularly in poorer soils. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and improve soil condition over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eLooks Great With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair with \u003cstrong\u003eRosmarinus officinalis\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eLavandula\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eCistus\u003c\/strong\u003e for a sun-drenched Mediterranean feel. Combine with \u003cstrong\u003ePittosporum\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eLaurus nobilis\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eMyrtus communis\u003c\/strong\u003e for a cohesive evergreen framework. Underplant with \u003cstrong\u003eCyclamen hederifolium\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eErigeron karvinskianus\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003eSalvia\u003c\/strong\u003e varieties to extend seasonal colour at ground level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eStrawberry Tree\u003c\/strong\u003e is a truly distinctive and low-maintenance evergreen that delivers ornamental interest across every season – a rewarding long-term investment for any garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57091191669062,"sku":"172972","price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/arbutus-unedo-20-litre-pot-125-150cm-september-delivery","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}