The Strawberry Tree

This tree takes its name from the lovely strawberry-like fruit it produces but is otherwise unrelated to the standard strawberry plants most people are familiar with.

Originally native to the Mediterranean region this tree is hardy to -5°c once established and flowers and fruits late into the autumn to provide an unusual focal point for any winter garden.

It is a compact, evergreen tree with extremely attractive glossy green foliage which looks fantastic all year round, however the tree is at its best during the autumn when creamy white flowers and small red fruits hang together in delightful clusters. The tree bears mature fruit and flowers simultaneously because it takes the fruit 12 months to mature fully. These fruits are edible and in some countries are made into jam and liqueurs.

In terms of the care this plant is relatively easy to look after. It is best kept in a sunny, sheltered position in well-drained soil. The mature plants are winter hardy to -5°c, but younger plants should be covered with horticultural fleecing during the winter to protect from the harshest of the weather. Early summer is the best time to prune long stems back and remove any broken or diseased branches. However it is important to bear in mind that the fruit is formed on the previous year's flowers and consequently heavy pruning may result in a much reduced yield of fruit the following autumn.



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