Arbutus unedo ‘Atlantic’

Description

Arbutus unedo ‘Atlantic’ is a beautiful form of the classic ‘Strawberry Tree’, forming a fabulous mid-sized shrub or small evergreen tree which has eye-catching wonderfully textured shredding red bark set off by glossy dark green leaves.  

‘Atlantic’ is a particularly floriferous variety of Arbutus unedo producing an abundance of stunning clusters of shiny wite bell-shaped flowers followed by the strawberry-like fruit that we all know and love.  Flowers are loved by bees and pollinators and fruit is loved by birds.  Although the fruit is edible for humans, if I may be so bold, it’s really probably more helpful to leave it to our wildlife to consume – they need it more than we do and in terms of flavour, they are sweeter and tastier fruits available for us to devour!

Arbutus unedo ‘Atlantic’ will tolerate a degree of coastal exposure and requires a sunny position in free-draining soil.  May also be grown in a container.  Ensure the plant doesn’t become waterlogged but don’t confuse this with allowing it to dry out completely – make sure it is watered as required until it is well established.