| Common Name | Latin Name | Plant Family |
|---|---|---|
|
Grecian StrawberryTree |
Arbutus andrachne |
Ericaceae |
Plants can be grown as a hedge, they are tolerant of some trimming[188].
Wood – hard, close-grained.
Cultivation & Habitat
Seed – best surface sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be soaked for 5 – 6 days in warm water and then surface sown in a shady position in a greenhouse[78]. Do not allow the compost to become dry. 6 weeks cold stratification helps[134]. The seed usually germinates well in 2 – 3 months at 20¡c[134]. Seedlings are prone to damp off[184], they are best transplanted to individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and should be kept well ventilated. Grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts[K].
Basal cuttings in late winter[200].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season’s growth, November/December in a frame. Poor percentage[78].
Layering of young wood – can take 2 years[1, 200].
Requires a nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position with shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[200]. Requires a lime-free soil according to some reports[1, 134], but it thrives on a limy soil according to other reports[11, 182, 200]. Established plants are drought tolerant.
Plants are hardy to about -15¡c[184].
The flowers are sweetly scented[245].
Dislikes being transplanted, it should be placed in its final position whilst young, giving some protection in its first winter outdoors[11, 134]. Plants are very slow growing.
Most plants cultivated under this name are in fact A. x andrachnoides ‘Serratula'[200].
S.E. Europe. W. Asia.
Become ungovernable, break the chains of the matrix; grow and forage your own food and medicine.
*None of the information on this website qualifies as professional medical advice. Take only what resonates with your heart and use your own personal responsibility for what’s best for you. For more information [brackets] [000], see bibliography.