Jewell
 Regular Plants Contributor
Puget Sound Region of the Pacific NW (Washington State, US)
Posts: 1587
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 12:07 am Post subject: Unusual berry and flower like blueberry/sala, leaf like rhod |
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Saw this bush down by the water. It has an interesting fruit and is flowering this time of year. Would like one, but don't know what it is.
( photo / image / picture from Jewell2009's Garden )
( photo / image / picture from Jewell2009's Garden )
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~Jewell
If a you have but two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one to sustain your life, and a flower with the other to give you a reason to live. ~Chinese Proverb
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eileen
Forum Moderator
Scotland
Posts: 18013
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 12:41 am Post subject: |
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Jewell this is an Arbutus Andrachne/Grecian Strawberry Tree.
Here are a few facts about it that may help you decide whether or not you can grow one in your area.
It likes a sheltered spot away from cold winds and loves full sun.
Humas rich, well drained soil is the best growing medium. (Ph around 5-6.) However, it can tolerate alkaline soils as long as they are rich in leafy organic matter.
Virtually pest and disease free.
The tree is drought, salt and fire resistant.
It can reach 7-8 meters in height.
The flowers last from autumn until spring. The fruits appear in autumn and can be used for jams, jellies, syrups, candied fruit and wines.
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Jewell
Regular Plants Contributor
Puget Sound Region of the Pacific NW (Washington State, US)
Posts: 1587
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 1:25 am Post subject: |
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Thanks Eileen. Very informative and I did find a local nursery that cares them on occasion  . Guess there is a native variety that is very similar with similar growing habits also, but impossible to find. Who'd of guessed since it sounds so exotic. I think I might have the ideal spot, but I am worried about the mature size (never want to block out the sun with evergreens here). Will have to think about this one. Very pretty though.
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~Jewell
If a you have but two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one to sustain your life, and a flower with the other to give you a reason to live. ~Chinese Proverb
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grownforyou
United Kingdom
Posts: 26
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| Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 12:36 pm Post subject: |
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| eileen wrote: | Jewell this is an Arbutus Andrachne/Grecian Strawberry Tree.
Here are a few facts about it that may help you decide whether or not you can grow one in your area.
It likes a sheltered spot away from cold winds and loves full sun.
Humas rich, well drained soil is the best growing medium. (Ph around 5-6.) However, it can tolerate alkaline soils as long as they are rich in leafy organic matter.
Virtually pest and disease free.
The tree is drought, salt and fire resistant.
It can reach 7-8 meters in height.
The flowers last from autumn until spring. The fruits appear in autumn and can be used for jams, jellies, syrups, candied fruit and wines. |
You know it actually looks more like Arbutus unedo the Killarney Strawberry Tree to me. Andrachnoides tends to have larger less denseley arranged leaves. A. unedo is a native of Ireland and does everything you describe above, but it is quite tolerant of exposed conditions.
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Jewell
Regular Plants Contributor
Puget Sound Region of the Pacific NW (Washington State, US)
Posts: 1587
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| Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 2:05 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Grownforyou. I believe you are right. It does better fit the description. Our climate is said to be very similar also.
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~Jewell
If a you have but two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one to sustain your life, and a flower with the other to give you a reason to live. ~Chinese Proverb
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