While this arbutus seldom produces the strawberry like fruits of one of its parents, Arbutus unedo, its wonderfully decorative, peeling, cinnamon red bark qualifies it for inclusion in any garden. It grows into a broadly upright tree finally reaching about 25 feet, with a similar spread, and has attractive evergreen, lance shaped, finely toothed, glossy mid-green four inch leaves. Its flowers appear from autumn to spring and are semi-pendant, three inch panicles of small white flowers, occasionally tinged with pink. Ideal as a specimen, or part of a shrub border or woodland garden, it should be grown in full sun in fertile, humus rich, well drained soil sheltered from cold winds.
Propagation: Sow seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Root semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
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As the bark of this Australasian eucalyptus is so decorative and distinctive - a patchwork of grey, green and cream that is said to resemble a the skin of a python - it makes a fine specimen for a winter garden, where its trunk and filigree of fine branches could be seen to perfection. It is a fairly hardy, for a eucalyptus, slow growing, to about 30 feet - with sickle shaped, leathery, grey green leaves and umbels of petalless flowers that appear from late spring to summer. It should be grown in neutral to slightly acidic soil that does not dry out, in a situation that is sheltered from cold, drying winds.
Propagation: Sow seed at 13°C to 18°C in spring or summer. |
Snake bark maples are some of the aristocrats of the deciduous tree world, and this one is no exception. With its white and jade green striped young boughs, it is a fine tree for a woodland edge or a wild garden, where its bark can be enjoyed all year. Its obovate leaves turn a pleasing, rich yellow in the autumn, so it is a good idea to shelter it from cold winds to encourage the leaves to hang on as long as possible. Pendant panicles of greenish yellow flowers appear from mid-spring. It will reach 40 feet by 30 foot at maturity, and should be grown in fertile, moist but well drained soil, in sun or partial shade.
Propagation: Sow seed in situ or in pots outdoors when ripe. Craft in late winter. Bud in late summer. |
