Arbutus unedo, the Strawberry Tree, is an exceptionally beautiful evergreen tree with leathery moderately-large foliage, dangling panicles of attractive white bell-shaped flowers and a distinctive large red fruit from which it gets its name. Its exotic appearance, evergreen nature and robust cold-hardy habit make it an essential plant in the exotic garden if space allows.

The fruit of the Strawberry Tree are edible and to my taste are sweet and worthwhile. The skin is very gritty however and some people may prefer to peel them before eating. After ripening from green, through yellow to red, they quickly soften and are best eaten firm.

Arbutus unedo can be grown as a large bushy tree or as a standard or half-standard allowing the large crown to form an attractive canopy atop the trunk. Its evergreen growth provides valuable protection to more tender plants grown beneath.

Gorgeous.