Arbutus unedo - C4

Description

A very slow growing, evergreen shrub ideal for containers or the garden. Has dark green, glossy, slightly toothed leaves and when mature attractive red-brown, shredding bark. In early autumn bears pendant clusters of bell-shaped, white or pink flowers, at the same time that the bright orange-red, strawberry-like fruits are ripening from the previous season. The fruits are edible but will only keep you alive, nothing more. Grows best in full sun in any garden soil. Don't worry about pruning other than to remove any broken stems in spring time. Height 2.5m (8ft) but it is so slow that for years it will remain a compact mound.